About the Service

This remarkable event features a procession that includes undergraduate degree candidates from Columbia College, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College. School deans, the University chaplain, and faculty and administrators also participate. Some of the highlights of the service include hymns and musical selections performed by student musicians and choirs; and readings, reflections and speeches by students, including a Senior Reflection and a Family Tribute.

The service is coordinated jointly by the Earl Hall Center and University Programs and Events.

HISTORY

The Baccalaureate Service is believed to have originated at Oxford University in 1432 when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic exercise. Since the earliest universities in this country were founded primarily to educate ministers, the British practice of the Baccalaureate Service was continued.

The tradition of the Baccalaureate Service at Columbia University began after the move to Morningside Heights in 1897. The Baccalaureate Service is now an interfaith, intercultural service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate’s academic career.

BACCALAUREATE 2019

Date: Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: 10:00 a.m.
St. Paul’s Chapel, Morningside Campus
Seating: Begins at 8:30 a.m.
Academic Attire: Required of participating graduates
Live Webcast:  Yes

Students must register to participate. Tickets are not required for admission.
For additional information please visit registration

The tradition of the Baccalaureate Service at Columbia University began after the move to Morningside Heights in 1897. The Baccalaureate Service is now an interfaith, intercultural service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate’s academic career.

This event features a procession including undergraduate degree candidates from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College. The University chaplain, school deans, faculty, and administrators also participate.

Highlights of the service include hymns and musical selections performed by student musicians and choirs, a Senior Reflection, a Family Tribute, and readings.

The service is coordinated jointly by the Earl Hall Center and University Programs and Events. For more information about this event, please visit the University Commencement Website.