Convocation

Convocation

2021 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.

2021 GSAS Convocation 2021 University Commencement
Thursday, April 29 Friday, April 30

Doctoral Convocation Ceremony: TBA
MA Convocation Ceremony: TBA

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:

  • Michael Naft (‘19MPhil, Psychology)
  • Diana Newby (‘19MPhil, English and Comparative Literature)
  • Ashley Simone (‘17MPhil, Classics)

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 Mentoring 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 April 2021 ceremonies if

  • your degree was already conferred in October 2020 or February 2021
  • you expect your degree to be conferred in May 2021 or October 2021

MA students: You are eligible to participate in the May 2021 ceremonies if

  • your degree was already conferred in October 2020 or February 2021
  • you expect your degree to be conferred in May 2021 and you have already filed an application for the MA with the Registrar
  • you expect your degree to be conferred in October 2021 (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.
Why are the ceremonies being held online this year?

Due to Coronavirus all Columbia University class days must take place online. GSAS will hold our virtual Convocation ceremonies for master’s and doctoral students on Thursday, April 29. After the ceremonies are broadcast, full recordings will remain available online for family and friends to view. We are planning this online celebration of 2021 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.