What is the difference between Convocation and Commencement?
The GSAS Convocation ceremonies recognize candidates for the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Musical Arts and Doctor of Philosophy, respectively. At GSAS Convocation degree candidates are presented individually by name, ascend the stage, and are greeted by the Dean of the Graduate School.
University Commencement is the Columbia-wide ceremony in which degrees are officially conferred. All of the University’s schools participate in this event.
I graduated in October or February and no longer live in New York. How can I pick up my guest tickets for University Commencement?
First, register to participate in Commencement and request tickets online at http://columbiacommencement.universitytickets.com by Friday, April 19. For additional information, see the University Commencement page.
Second, please send an email by Wednesday, May 1 to gsas-convocation@columbia.edu explaining your situation. You will receive a response indicating when you will be able to pick up your tickets.
Please note: it is not possible for tickets to be mailed to you.
Can I request more tickets?
You may only access the ticket reservation system once; accordingly, at this time it is not possible to obtain additional tickets for the University Commencement ceremony.
How do I obtain my diploma?
After the graduation ceremonies, diplomas for May 2013 graduates will be mailed to the address on file in the "Diploma Address" section of the "Addresses: View and Update" page in SSOL. For more information, see the Information for Graduates page.
Is it possible to watch the ceremonies online?
Yes. The Convocation ceremonies will be webcast through the GSAS home page; the Commencement ceremony will be webcast through the Commencement website. Following the ceremonies, videos of the ceremonies will be available on the Columbia YouTube channel.