• Baker Athletics Complex Map
• Stage Passes – YOU NEED YOUR STAGE PASS!
• Procession and Stage-Crossing Information
• Reminders:
  • Guidelines for Graduation Ceremonies (MAKE SURE YOUR GUESTS ARE AWARE!)
  • How to Send Tickets to Your Guests!
  • Updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Graduates will enter through the Class of 1905 Gate.
• Guests will enter through Gate B and line up along Broadway.
• Guests and Graduates with accessibility needs will enter through the Accessible Entrance.

• The venue is outdoors and tented. 
• The Inner Concourse is covered.
• The graduate procession from the Inner Concourse to the Ceremony Area is NOT covered.

Stage Passes:

What is a Stage Pass?

• All graduates are assigned a Stage Pass (with a QR Code) through Tassel. This serves as one of your required items for entry to the venue. It can be printed or you can show it from a mobile device.
• You’ll also show this at the scanning podium before you cross the stage. Once you scan it, it will activate your name to be announced. Please go to columbiau.tassel.com to access your Stage Pass. You can add it to your wallet or print it out.
• We’ve updated ALL Stage Passes as of 6:00 PM on May 15th. Please re-download your Stage Pass if you downloaded it before 6:00 PM on May 15th.
• Your Stage Pass has your name, your phonetic pronunciation, and your order number.
• We will also have a copy of your Stage Pass at check-in.

Procession and Recitation of Names (Stage-Crossing) Information:

• Procession:
  • When graduates check in at the Class of 1905 Gate, they must follow the guidelines listed below in the Guidelines for Graduation Ceremonies. At check-in, graduates will receive a card with their order number. 
  • Graduates will then go to the Inner Concourse, where they will line up in alphabetical order. Staff volunteers will be ready to assist graduates to get into ALPHABETICAL ORDER by last name. Graduates will be process into two lines:
    • Graduates with last names that begin with letters A through K will be “Red Roosters” — these grads will be seated in House Right.
    • Graduates with last names that begin with letters L through Z will be “Lavender Lions” — these grads will be seated in House Left.
  • The procession from the Inner Concourse to the Graduate Seating is long. Please wear comfortable shoes. Graduates will walk through turf to their seats–we do not recommend wearing high heels.
• Recitation of Names:
  • The Master’s Recitation of Names is your cue for when you walk across the stage. Make sure that your Stage Pass is pulled up and ready to go! Graduates will cross the stage in alphabetical order. Our staff volunteers will guide you through!
  • There will be three photo points as you cross the stage. Photos are taken by GradImages. They will reach out to graduates approximately a week after the ceremony.
  • Instead of a handshake, each graduate will be handed a diploma folder from either the Dean of Students, Moira Curtain, or Senior Associate Dean of MSW Education, Richard Hara.
  • After you cross the stage, you will return to the same seat that you sat in. Our staff volunteers will guide you through the Recitation Path.
• After the Ceremony:
  • We recommend using Isham Park or Inwood Hill Park as a meeting point for you and your guests after the graduation ceremony.
  • Prepare for street closures! If calling a car or a taxi, we suggest calling for pickup on Broadway and not directly in front of the venue at 218^th St.

Guidelines for Graduation Ceremonies
We look forward to celebrating our graduates and welcoming their families and loved ones to our ceremony. We have updated guidelines for graduates and guests to keep our celebrations safe, respectful, and running smoothly.

Bring the Essentials:

• Tickets:
  • All graduates must be pre-registered to attend, and must bring their CUID.
  • Guests must have a ticket saved, loaded, and/or ready to scan. All guests over the age of 2 must have a ticket.
  • Photo ID is required for guest and graduate entry.
• Regalia is not required to participate in the CSSW Graduation Ceremony. Graduates wearing regalia must arrive with regalia unzipped, as checks may take place before entry and during lineup.
• Pre-filled, reusable water bottle.
• Prepare for inclement weather.
• Wear comfortable footwear.
• Fully charged phone (and maybe even an external battery).
• Bags, backpacks, and purses larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are not permitted inside the venue. Security will check all bags upon entry. Guests without bags will be able to enter more quickly.

What not to bring:

• We want to work together as a community to provide a safe, positive, and unobstructed experience for all our graduates and guests. The following items are not permitted.
  • Obstructive or Disruptive Items
    • Signs, placards, or banners of any kind
    • Flags larger than 5″ x 7″
    • Balloons or sky lanterns
    • Any item that obstructs views or interferes with amplified sound
    • Noise-making devices, including airhorns and cowbells
    • Any item that may interfere with or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests
  • Dangerous Items
    • Weapons of any kind, including pepper spray or mace
    • Glass bottles or projectiles
    • Lighters, matches, or flammable materials
    • Sharp objects or laser pointers
    • Any other item deemed dangerous, inappropriate, or in violation of University policies.

Event Disruptions:

• Commencement season is a time to celebrate and enjoy the accomplishments of our graduates. To honor the spirit and significance of this occasion, we do not permit the interruption of speakers or audience disruptions. We ask that graduates communicate these expectations to their guests in advance.
• All participants and guests attending Commencement season events understand and agree to follow the responsibilities outlined in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy, and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.
• University Delegates and Public Safety officers will be on site and may intervene if activity arises that may conflict with the provisions of the Rules. Members of the University community are reminded of their obligation to comply with Delegate directives pursuant to Section 443.a(16)-(20). For additional updates regarding these rules, visit the Rules Administrator webpage.

Additional Reminders:

• Only guests with tickets will be allowed into the event venue. No exceptions will be made.
• All exits are final. Re-entry is not permitted.
• Face coverings are not permitted unless required for religious or medical reasons.
• Mortarboards, stoles, or other regalia should not contain language, symbols, or imagery that could violate University policies.
• By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your school-specific ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and Final as of 5.12.2025 For internal use only recorded. Please note that these photos and recordings may be shared publicly or on social media at the discretion of the University, and an archived video will be made available online for viewing after the event

REMINDERS:

How To Send Tickets to Your Guests:
The last day to change guest names was Friday, May 16th at 5:00 PM (ET). We are no longer issuing or re-issuing tickets after Friday. No exceptions will be made.

Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests directly! WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND double checking that you’ve sent your tickets to your guests! To access your tickets, follow the instructions below:

1. Log in to Tassel at (columbiau.tassel.com)
2. Once you log on, you will see your ceremony. Click the “View” button.
3. The page with all of your tickets will load. You can choose to print tickets or send each ticket to a guest directly. You can re-send tickets from this page at any time.
   • Please note that any ticket that is re-sent will contain the same barcode as the previously sent version, and will only allow admission for one!
   • You can email each person a ticket or you can send all of the tickets to yourself and individually send/print each ticket for your guest.

Tickets can be scanned through mobile phones or can be printed and scanned.

Purchasing or Selling Commencement Tickets:
Please note that it is against University Policy to sell tickets to any commencement ceremonies. Graduates found in violation of this policy will be forbidden from participating in the School ceremony and could risk having their diploma and degree certification withheld for this egregious ethical violation. Please report anyone selling tickets to [email protected].

Student Conduct Disclaimer:
Commencement season is a time to celebrate our students’ accomplishments. To honor our students and guests, audience disruptions and interruption of speakers are not permitted.  All participants and guests attending Commencement season events understand and agree to follow the responsibilities outlined in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy,  and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.

Directions to Baker Athletics Complex:
Please review this link to access directions to Baker Athletics Complex: https://gocolumbialions.com/sports/2019/7/7/directions-to-baker-athletics-complex.aspx

Please note that 218th St. will be CLOSED. Parking will not be possible at Baker Athletics Complex on the day of graduation. The website above lists parking information around Baker. We highly recommend using public transportation or rideshare services.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Will graduation be livestreamed?
   • Yes, the CSSW Graduation Ceremony will be livestreamed. You may distribute this link to your guests: https://vimeo.com/event/5090125
2. My graduation ticket has my name on it, what should I do?
   • All guest tickets will have the graduate’s name on them. Do not worry!
3. How does accessible seating work?
   • All guests and graduates who require accessible seating should enter through the Accessible Entrance. Staff volunteers will assist graduates and guests. 
4. At what age does a guest require a graduation ticket?
   • Guests two years old and older need a ticket.
5. One of my classmates would like to give me a ticket, how does it work?
   • The graduate with the extra ticket will need to enter the name of the guest of the graduate they wish to give the ticket. We recommend only making this arrangement with someone you trust because tickets can only be used/scanned once. Guests without a valid ticket CAN NOT enter the ceremony. No exceptions can or will be made.
6. What are my chances of getting extra tickets through the lottery?
   • Please note that all lottery applicants were notified of their lottery ticket status. We’ve been able to accommodate most lottery applicants.
7. I had a name change and would like to ensure that my diploma reflects this.
   • Please go to this site: https://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/application-degree-or-certificate
8. How do I change the name of my guests who will be attending graduation?
   • Guest name changes are no longer possible.
9. How do I access/send tickets to my guests?
   • Log in to Tassel at (columbiau.tassel.com)
   • Once you log on, you will see your ceremony. Click the “View” button.
   • The page with all of your tickets will load. You can choose to print tickets or send each ticket to a guest directly. You can re-send tickets from this page at any time.
     • Please note that any ticket that is re-sent will contain the same barcode as the previously sent version, and will only allow admission for one!
     • You can email each person a ticket or you can send all of the tickets to yourself and individually send/print each ticket for your guest.
10. What is Tassel?
    • Please email [email protected] if you have this question!

Columbia School of Social Work Student Life Office
Email: [email protected]

University-Wide Celebration

• Graduate students may reserve up to two (2) guest e-tickets, beginning April 16 at 8:00 a.m.
• Student Entry: Ticket Scanning will take place at 120th St. between Broadway & Amsterdam starting at 7:30 a.m. After entry, you will find your school’s line-up location for the student procession to Low Plaza.
• Guests: Seating on the South Lawn is limited. Once capacity is reached, alternative viewing locations will be available for registration. We encourage you to register early.
• Deadline to register: May 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

How to Register:
Only graduates who have applied for graduation and met all requirements at this time will be eligible to register. To register, visit https://rebrand.ly/Commencement-Registration

Once registered, you will receive:

• One (1) graduate e-ticket (for yourself)
• One (1) guest e-ticket per guest you registered
  • Important: Graduates are responsible for distributing guest tickets directly to their guests.

On Commencement Day:

• Confirmation emails will contain QR codes, which serve as entry passes for University Commencement.
• Screenshot your QR code in advance and encourage your guests to do the same to ensure access in case of limited Wi-Fi or cellular service at the venue.
• Each QR code can only be scanned once.
• Pack light! Bags, backpacks, and purses larger than 5×7 inches are not permitted. Anyone entering the campus will be subject to a bag check at entry.
• For guests unable to attend, a live webcast of the University Commencement ceremony will be available for online viewing on the day of the event.
• By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your School Ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded. Please note that these recordings may be shared publicly and made available online for viewing after the event.

Columbia University Commencement Office
Phone: 212-854-1753
Email: [email protected]

Location: Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium at Baker Athletics Complex

Graduates, please see below for upcoming deadlines and reminders. Please note that we will continue to send updates and update the FAQ on a regular basis as we get closer to graduation!

• Ticketing Reminder
  • Accessing Tickets & Sending to Guests
  • Purchasing or Selling Commencement Tickets
• Class of 2025 Photo Collection
• Reminders:
  • Baker Athletics Complex
  • Regalia
  • Student Conduct Disclaimer
  • University Commencement Registration! (Please scroll to the University Commencement Section of this Email!)

Ticketing Reminder:
Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests directly! To access your tickets, follow the instructions below:

1. Log in to Tassel at (columbiau.tassel.com)
2. Once you log on, you will see your ceremony. Click the “View” button.
3. The page with all of your tickets will load. You can choose to print tickets or send each ticket to a guest directly. You can re-send tickets from this page at any time.
   • Please note that any ticket that is re-sent will contain the same barcode as the previously sent version, and will only allow admission for one!
   • You can email each person a ticket or you can send all of the tickets to yourself and individually send/print each ticket for your guest.

Tickets can be scanned through mobile phones or can be printed and scanned.

Purchasing or Selling Commencement Tickets:
Please note that it is against University Policy to sell tickets to any commencement ceremonies. Graduates found in violation of this policy will be forbidden from participating in the School ceremony and could risk having their diploma and degree certification withheld for this egregious ethical violation. Please report anyone selling tickets to [email protected].

Class of 2025 Photo Collection Form: https://forms.gle/8xR5ekEZduoKkM5EA
We are asking graduates to upload any photo/s that they have of them and their classmates experiencing moments of joy during their time at CSSW! Photos may be displayed during the CSSW Graduation Ceremony or through social media. Please note that due to the volume of submissions, we may not be able to share all submissions publicly.

REMINDERS:

Regalia Information:
Full academic regalia is optional, but encouraged at the Columbia School of Social Work Graduation. Full academic regalia is required to participate in University Commencement. The regalia resource page can be found here: https://commencement.columbia.edu/content/regalia. 

Student Conduct Disclaimer:
Commencement season is a time to celebrate our students’ accomplishments. To honor our students and guests, audience disruptions and interruption of speakers are not permitted.  All participants and guests attending Commencement season events understand and agree to follow the responsibilities outlined in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy,  and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.

Directions to Baker Athletics Complex:
Please review this link to access directions to Baker Athletics Complex: https://gocolumbialions.com/sports/2019/7/7/directions-to-baker-athletics-complex.aspx

Please note that 218th St. will be CLOSED. Parking will not be possible at Baker Athletics Complex on the day of graduation. The website above lists parking information around Baker. We highly recommend using public transportation or rideshare services.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. At what age does a guest require a graduation ticket?
   • Guests two years old and older need a ticket.
2. One of my classmates would like to give me a ticket, how does it work?
   • The graduate with the extra ticket will need to enter the name of the guest of the graduate they wish to give the ticket. We recommend only making this arrangement with someone you trust because tickets can only be used/scanned once. Guests without a valid ticket CAN NOT enter the ceremony. No exceptions can or will be made.
3. What are my chances of getting extra tickets through the lottery?
   • Please note that all lottery applicants were notified of their lottery ticket status. We’ve been able to accommodate most lottery applicants.
4. I had a name change and would like to ensure that my diploma reflects this.
   • Please go to this site: https://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/application-degree-or-certificate
5. How do I change the name of my guests who will be attending graduation?
   • Any change of guest names at this point need to be sent to [email protected].
6. How do I access/send tickets to my guests?
   • Log in to Tassel at (columbiau.tassel.com)
   • Once you log on, you will see your ceremony. Click the “View” button.
   • The page with all of your tickets will load. You can choose to print tickets or send each ticket to a guest directly. You can re-send tickets from this page at any time.
     • Please note that any ticket that is re-sent will contain the same barcode as the previously sent version, and will only allow admission for one!
     • You can email each person a ticket or you can send all of the tickets to yourself and individually send/print each ticket for your guest.
7. What is Tassel?
   • Please email [email protected] if you have this question!

Location: Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium at Baker Athletics Complex

Graduates, please see below for new graduation updates:

• Graduation Registration – Deadline: April 16th!
  • Additional Ticket Lottery – Deadline: April 23rd!
• Graduation Registration Session – New Date: April 15th!
• Affinity Graduations – Final Dates & Times!
• Reminders:
  • Regalia
  • Student Conduct Disclaimer
• University Commencement Registration! (Please scroll to the University Commencement Section of this Email!)

Graduation Registration – Closes on April 16th, 11:59 PM (ET):
All graduates received an email from [email protected] with the subject line of “[CSSW Graduation 2025] Register to participate in the CSSW Graduation Ceremony!” on Monday, March 31st.

The link in the email will lead you to register for the graduation ceremony. You will use this form to submit your name pronunciation, register for tickets, share accommodations requests, and submit other pertinent details for the ceremony.

Please note that you MUST fill out this form by Wednesday, April 16th, at 11:59 PM (ET) to ensure the correct pronunciation of your name by our professional name readers. Even if you do NOT intend to participate, you are required to register!

Graduates will be able to order up to eight (8) tickets each. Each person aged two (2) or older will require a ticket.

Additional Ticket Lottery Form
Hoping to request additional tickets? You may request additional tickets through this link: https://forms.gle/9brvdg9caZs1pm91A. Please note that this is a lottery-based system. Additional tickets are NOT guaranteed. Graduates must fill this form out by no later than 11:59 PM (ET) on Wednesday, April 23rd to be entered into a lottery. NO EXCEPTIONS ARE POSSIBLE FOR STUDENTS WHO MISS THIS HARD DEADLINE. We hope to notify students of the lottery results by no later than Friday, April 25th.

Graduation Registration Session:
There will be one final graduation registration session for graduates who require assistance to register for graduation or have any questions about the ceremony. Please have your laptop or a mobile device ready if you need assistance with registration!

Tuesday, April 15th, 1:00 PM, on Zoom
https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/7193210209?pwd=Q2pzQXJ6dUw0dXJHbE1WUDF4MTBJQT09&omn=99292248955

Affinity Graduation Dates:

REMINDERS:

Regalia Information:
Full academic regalia is optional, but encouraged at the Columbia School of Social Work Graduation. Full academic regalia is required to participate in University Commencement. The regalia resource page can be found here: https://commencement.columbia.edu/content/regalia. 

Student Conduct Disclaimer:
Commencement season is a time to celebrate our students’ accomplishments. To honor our students and guests, audience disruptions and interruption of speakers are not permitted.  All participants and guests attending Commencement season events understand and agree to follow the responsibilities outlined in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy,  and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.

April 14th Update:

Columbia School of Social Work Student Life Office
Email: [email protected]

Location: Baker Field, Columbia University

Please save the date for the CSSW Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM.

Ticketing:
Graduates will be able to order up to eight (8) tickets each. Each person aged two (2) or older will require a ticket. The graduation registration and ticket ordering site link is forthcoming.

Grad Fair:
Full academic regalia is optional, but encouraged at the Columbia School of Social Work Graduation. Full academic regalia is required to participate in University Commencement.

Here are the ways graduates can order regalia and other academic attire:
During the Grad Fair at the Morningside Campus Bookstore
Tuesday, February 18–Friday, February 21, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Online orders can be placed beginning February 22. Link will be posted here: https://commencement.columbia.edu/content/regalia

Columbia School of Social Work Student Life Office
Email: [email protected]