Convocation

Convocation

2020 Ceremony Dates

The ceremony/page will be accessible at the times listed below. You do not have to view the ceremony at that time. The page will be accessible for one full year.

2020 GSAS Convocation 2020 University Commencement
Sunday, May 17 Wednesday, May 20

Doctoral Convocation Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. EST
MA Convocation Ceremony: 3:00 p.m. EST

University Commencement: 10:30 a.m. EST

 

Annual Awards

An important part of our Convocation ceremonies is the recognition of the recipients of annual awards. We congratulate the following members of our community on their recognition by their students and peers.

Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching

The 2020 Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student is awarded to three PhD candidates:

Note: If the links do not open in your browser visit the Commencement Day page and scroll to the bottom to view the awardees. 

Columbia University Faculty Mentoring Award

The 2020 Columbia University Faculty Mentoring Award is awarded to two outstanding members of the Columbia faculty. View the presentation of the Faculty Menoring Awards here.

  • Professor Abosede George, Associate Professor, Department of History,
    Barnard College 
  • Professor Ana M. Ochoa, Professor and Chair, Department of Music, and
    Professor, Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race

Dr. Devon T. Wade Mentorship, Service, and Advocacy Award

The Dr. Devon T. Wade Mentorship, Service, and Advocacy Award recognizes a master’s or doctoral student whose work reflects the exceptional commitment  of the late Dr. Devon Wade (‘18PhD, Sociology) to scholarship, teaching and mentorship, and service. Anayvelyse Allen-Mossman (‘18MPhil, Latin American and Iberian Cultures) has been selected as this year’s recipient because of her demonstrated and consistent accomplishments in all the areas recognized by this award: research and scholarship, teaching and mentoring, professional and community service, and community-building.

View the Convocation Videos

Note: If you are tuning in to the ceremony from outside of the United States and are having difficulty viewing the pre-recorded videos on the Marching Order site, click the links below to view accessible videos:

FAQ 

How do I verify my eligibility?

PhD/DMA students: You are eligible to participate in the May 2020 ceremonies if

  • your degree was already conferred in October 2019 or February 2020
  • you expect your degree to be conferred in May 2020 or October 2020

MA students: You are eligible to participate in the May 2020 ceremonies if

  • your degree was already conferred in October 2019 or February 2020
  • you expect your degree to be conferred in May 2020 and you have already filed an application for the MA with the Registrar
  • you expect your degree to be conferred in October 2020 (Note: The application for the MA degree is mandatory, which you must still file with the Registrar by September 1 for October degree conferral.)

Note: Participating in GSAS Convocation and University Commencement does not constitute conferral of a Columbia degree. 

Do I need to order regalia?

Academic regalia is not required to participate in the GSAS Convocation and University Commencement virtual ceremonies.

  • Master’s students who wish to purchase regalia can order online directly through Oakhall by Monday, May 4. 
  • Doctoral degree students who wish to rent regalia should email bkscolumbia [at] bncollege.com (Tom Spalango) at the Columbia Bookstore to make necessary arrangements.
  • The Columbia Bookstore has guaranteed that all regalia orders will be refunded upon request as long as it is unopened. Please contact the bkscolumbia [at] bncollege.com (Columbia Bookstore) to initiate this refund and for all additional questions.
Can I participate in the 2021 GSAS Convocation ceremony?

Yes! We will be celebrating the achievements of both the 2020 and 2021 classes during the 2021 GSAS Convocation ceremony. Graduates from 2020, and their friends and family, are invited to come to the on-campus event next year. More information on how to participate will be shared in early May.

Why are the ceremonies being held online this year?

Due to Coronavirus 2020 all Columbia University class days must take place online. GSAS will hold our virtual Convocation ceremonies for master’s and doctoral students on the original Convocation date of Sunday, May 17. After the ceremonies are broadcast, full recordings will remain available online for family and friends to view. We are planning this online celebration of 2020 graduates so that you may share this important milestone with your family, friends, and community. Each graduate will have the opportunity to be recognized with an official downloadable slide with your photo that can be shared on social media. The virtual ceremony will remain online and accessible for one year. A link to the virtual ceremony will be provided here and via email at a later date.