Graduation

Key Dates

Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Boat Cruise
Tuesday, May 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Journalism Day and Class Photo
Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Columbia University Commencement
Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Journalism School Graduation Ceremony and Reception

LiveStream of the Journalism School Graduation Ceremony on May 22, 2013
Video Footage of the Journalism School Graduation Ceremony on May 16, 2012
Audio of the Journalism School Graduation Ceremony on May 16, 2012

Commencement Resources

Graduation Information Sessions

Student Affairs will hold four sessions where students can learn about the various graduation events, grading and honors, awards and more. All sessions will be in the Stabile Student Center:

Wednesday, April 10, 6-7 p.m.
Monday, April 22, 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, May 2, 1-2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7,  6-7 p.m.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Diploma Application Verification

To check that your diploma application has been received, please log in to SSOL. Once logged in, please refer to the "Your Data" section on the right. Under "Academic Records" you will find "Degree Application Status."

If you do not have an application listed there, you MUST complete an Application for Degree or Certificate (form download at bottom of page), print, sign and return it to the Diploma Division in 210 Kent Hall. You can also save the form and submit it electronically to diplomas@columbia.edu.

DEADLINE: Friday, March 15, at 5 p.m. If you miss the deadline, you will not receive your diploma in time for the ceremony. 

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

University Commencement Registration/J-School Graduation Ceremony Registration

All those who graduate in May 2013, and those who graduated in October 2012 and February 2013, are REQUIRED to complete the Graduation Program/Ceremony Form.

Please note: This includes dual-degree students who are completing the Journalism School portion of their degrees and 3rd semester doc students.

DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 3, at 9 a.m.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Graduation Ticket Distribution

Graduating students who have registered to attend the University Commencement and/or the J-School ceremony (fs8.formsite.com/cjdos/gradprogram/) will be able to pick up their tickets after completing their graduation survey.

Each graduate receives up to three (3) tickets to the Journalism School ceremony and up to three (3) tickets to the University Commencement ceremony based on the number requested on the ceremony registration form.

Part-time students can contact Lauren Mack at lem2111@columbia.edu about having tickets mailed, if necessary.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

International Students - Guest Invitations

The Journalism School does not issue invitation letters for students' family members or friends. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of State, such a letter is neither necessary nor useful for the application for a B-1/B-2 Visitor's visa. B-1 is the classification for a Visitor for business, and B-2 for a Visitor for pleasure.

In order to secure a visa family wishing to attend graduation, please follow the instructions at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/visa/inviting_relatives.html

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Family and Guest Accommodations

There are several hotels within a short distance of campus. When calling for a reservation, mention you are visting Columbia to see if a special rate may apply; however, we do not guarantee lower rates. We recommend making a reservation as soon as possible.

Columbia Housing Services maintains a list of off-campus accommodations.

In addition, Columbia University Guest and Conference Housing will offer a limited number of on-campus rooms to parents and families of Columbia graduates. Rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in the spring semester.

Please refer to the Commencement Housing Web site for details regarding rates, amenities, cancellation policies and reservations.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Boat Cruise

Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. - Reception on the boat, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. - cruise
East 23rd Street and the FDR Drive
Guests: Yes (open to students, faculty, and guests). J-School grads and faculty are admitted for free; all guest tickets are $20 each
Attire: Festive

The annual Boat Cruise is a two-hour party on a docked boat followed by a 90-minute cruise (optional). SPJ presents its awards for Teacher of the Year and Student of the Year during the Boat Cruise.

All students (including non-graduating part timers) will enter for free (must show Columbia ID) and each guest will cost $20. Enter at New York Skyports Marina (East River and 23rd Street).

Schedule of Events

  • 4 p.m. Boat party at dock begins
  • 5:30 p.m. Kimberly Brooks will announce the 2013 Teacher of the Year (congrats Ari Goldman) and student of the year (its shhhh… still a secret).
  • 5:45 p.m. For those who do not want to set sail with the rest of the class, there will be a warning to get off the boat.
  • 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The boat will set sail to lower Manhattan (pass by Statue of Liberty, etc.)
  • 8 p.m. Everyone WILL HAVE TO leave the boat.

The cruise includes a cash bar and a DJ. There will also be a “cash food bar” for $8 per plate (i.e., chicken, pasta, salad, rice, etc.). It is advisable to eat before you get on board as the food is snack-ish.

Dress code is party-ish; please note, we will be near the water, so dress accordingly.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Journalism Day

Tuesday, May 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Miller Theatre
Guests: No (open to students and faculty only)
Attire: Business; no caps and gowns

The annual Pringle Lecture is delivered and student prizes are awarded. Prize winners will be recognized again in front of their families and guests during the Journalism School Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday. The general program is:
 

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Class Photo Shoot

Tuesday, May 21, 12 p.m. SHARP (immediately following Journalism Day)
In front of Journalism Building
Attire: Business; no caps and gowns

All members of the graduating class will assemble on the steps for the official class portrait.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Columbia University Commencement

Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Low Library Plaza
Guests: Each student receives up to three (3) tickets for guests
Attire: Caps and gowns are mandatory

Join the entire Columbia University community as President Bollinger leads the University Commencement ceremony.

Columbia University Commencement Web Site
Journalism School Meeting Point (section 12)

Guests with disabilities, limited mobility, the elderly requiring assistance, or those needing sign language interpretation should use the designated disability access gates for University Commencement and class day ceremonies. For information regarding dedicated seating areas on campus during University Commencement and class day ceremonies for guests with disabilities, click here. Additionally, please review the information from your school or program for any special instructions regarding disability seating at your class day ceremony.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Journalism School Graduation Ceremony

Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. -5 p.m. (seating begins at 2:15 p.m.)
Roone Arledge Auditorium, Lerner Hall
Guests: Each student receives up to three (3) tickets for guests
Attire: Business; no caps and gowns

Journalism School graduates will receive their diplomas and hear a graduation speech by the recipient of the Columbia Journalism Award, the school's highest honor, presented annually to a journalist for distinguished service to the profession. This year's Columbia Journalism Award winner is Filmmaker Errol Morris. SPJ Columbia chapter president Kimberly Brooks will also speak at the Journalism School Graduation Ceremony.

This event will be webcast live by Columbia University for the audience who will be in the overflow room or outside of Arledge in all corners of world at this link: bit.ly/cujgrad13

Dean so-toe-my-YORE, who will be reading your name and hometown out loud, will spend several weeks working on them. Please seek him out so he can practice both with you. 

Graduates will be photographed with their diploma as they exit the stage, and will have options to purchase these photographs.

A reception immediately follows on Furnald Lawn between Lerner Hall and the Journalism School.

Guests with disabilities, limited mobility, the elderly requiring assistance, or those needing sign language interpretation should e-mail Nancy Earle at ne2222@columbia.edu.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Cap and Gown Information

Grad Fair
In mid-March the Columbia University Bookstore in Lerner Hall will hold its annual
Grad Fair. Dates for the 2013 Grad Fair are March 12, 13, and 14, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. The Grad Fair is an opportunity for all degree candidates to purchase Commencement regalia (worn only for the Columbia University ceremony, not the Journalism School one), announcements, rings, diploma frames, and more.

Caps and gowns will be for sale up to the day of Commencement; however, as Commencement nears, size availability cannot be guaranteed. The bookstore is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For purchase information, please see the regalia announcement.

Master's Regalia
The Master's regalia is custom-designed in Columbia blue fabric with Columbia crowns embroidered on the front panels. These gowns are not rentals, but souvenirs, and are yours to keep. No preordering is required.

The Master's regalia — cap, gown and tassel — is $56 plus tax.

Note to Master's Degree candidates living outside the New York metropolitan area: If you prefer to have your regalia shipped to you, you may download and submit the Master's regalia order form.

Doctoral Regalia
The doctoral gown features black velvet chevrons and panels with Columbia crowns embroidered on the front panels. There is a pocket slit to allow access to clothing beneath the robe. The hood is designed to represent your degree, discipline and Alma Mater.

This regalia is available for either rental or purchase. Please download and submit the Doctoral regalia order form.

Please note: April 6 is the deadline to order Doctoral regalia without incurring a $20 late fee.

Military Recognition
Graduates who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are invited to wear a red, white and blue honor cord at Commencement Week ceremonies in recognition of their service. Cords will be provided by the University to any eligible graduate who requests one. To request a cord, please contact Amber Griffiths at ag2943@columbia.edu by Friday, May 10, 2013.

Class Ring and Announcements
Class rings and personalized graduation announcements may be ordered through our graduation partner Balfour. Traditional announcements may be purchased at the bookstore.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Graduation Offers for Students

Free One-Year Subscription to CJR
Throughout the year, you have received copies of CJR near your student mailboxes. The CJR staff hopes you found each issue interesting, informative and useful, and we would like to offer you a free additional one-year subscription.

To accept, please email Dennis Giza (dfg2@columbia.edu) your name, email address, and mailing address by May 10, 2013, and please refer to this offer. Please specify print or digital edition; both email and mailing addresses are required, regardless of the edition you choose.

The one-year subscription will begin with the July/August '13 issue and end with the May/June '14 issue. If you take advantage of this offer later than May 2013, your subscription will still end with the May/June '14 issue. Around January next year you will receive notice that your subscription is about to expire, and we hope you opt to renew as a paid subscriber.

Congratulations and good luck. —The CJR Staff

Columbia Alumni Arts League (CAAL) Class of 2013 Gift: Free Membership
Sign up for your free Columbia Alumni Arts League membership (normally $25) because your discounts don’t have to end after Commencement.

Created by Columbia alumni, for Columbia alumni, Columbia Alumni Arts League membership continues your CUArts benefits as a recent graduate. Sign up for your free CAAL membership, and continue to experience the best of arts and culture without breaking your budget. CAAL offers alumni benefits and discounts to over 65 leading arts organizations, weekly exclusive events, and curated information about New York City arts. Check back; signup information will be available shortly.

> Top

* * * * * * * * * *

Select the academic degree that interests you:
Apply