Information for Guests

GSAS Convocation: Tickets are not required.

University Commencement: Tickets are required for guests and can only be obtained in advance (by the graduating student). GSAS students are allowed 2 guest tickets for the University Commencement on Wednesday, May 20.  

Guests must bring their tickets. General admission gates open at 8:30 a.m. Graduates line up by school at 9:00 a.m. Find more information about University Commencement here.

Directions

The Visitors Center website includes comprehensive directions for getting to campus via car or public transportation.

Parking

Parking is extremely limited during Commencement week. For more information, see the University Commencement website.

International Visitors

Please read these guidelines from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) regarding international visitors.

Several local hotels offer discounted rates to visitors to Columbia University. Visit the university's Travel Portal for more information.

Columbia Affiliates

Additionally, some Columbia affiliates have a limited number of guest rooms available.

Union Theological Seminary Landmark Guest Rooms
3041 Broadway (at 121st Street), New York, NY 10027 
(212) 280-1313

Teachers College Guest Housing
517 West 121st Street, New York, NY 10027
(212) 678-3235

International House Guest Accommodations
500 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027 
(212) 316-8400

Other Nearby Hotels

Days Inn Hotel
215 West 94th Street, New York, NY 10025
(212) 866-6400

Morningside Inn
235 West 107th Street, New York, NY 10025 
(212) 316-005

Campus Arrival

Guests line up on 114th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam and enter through one of two gates leading into the campus's South Lawn. Gates open approximately 40 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. Guests are discouraged from arriving too early due to most campus entries remaining closed while other ceremonies are underway.

Disability Waiting Area

Guests with disabilities or limited mobility, older individuals needing assistance, or those in need of sign language interpretation should enter campus through the designated gate located at 116th Street/College Walk and Amsterdam Ave. Please refer to this map for accessible routes on campus.

There is no place on campus to store luggage or valuables during the Convocation or Commencement ceremonies.