Faq - Columbia GSAPP

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2026 Commencement FAQ

The 2026 GSAPP Graduation Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM on the South Lawn (between Low Memorial Library and Butler Library).

It will be followed by a reception in Avery Plaza for graduates and their guests.

This FAQ webpage can help you with the questions you might have about GSAPP Graduation. It will be frequently updated to show the most current information. If your question is not answered here, feel free to email the commencement team at commencement@arch.columbia.edu.

See the main Commencement webpage.

Are there two commencement ceremonies?

GSAPP’s Graduation Ceremony is on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM
University Commencement is on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM

What is the schedule for the GSAPP Graduation Ceremony?

The schedule is as follows:

3:45 PM: Student check-in opens, graduates begin line-up in Lerner Hall
5:00 PM: Gates open for guests
6:00 PM: Ceremony begins with Graduate Procession to South Lawn
7:45 PM: Reception begins in Avery Plaza
10:00 PM: Reception ends

How do I confirm my participation in the Graduation Ceremony?

All graduates who intend to participate in the 2026 GSAPP Graduation Ceremony need to register online in advance, regardless of their need for guest tickets. The registration website will be live in late March and graduates will receive an email inviting them to complete this step through the Tassel website.

On that site, graduates will be able to:

Register to confirm participation within your program (dual degree students will choose one program)
Complete the Photo Consent Form (GradImages)
Record your name for the preferred pronunciation
Complete the Alumni Survey to stay in contact after graduation

Do I need to get my own ticket for graduation?

Yes, further registration instruction to follow via E-mail.

For GSAPP’s Graduation Ceremony, each graduate will need to have their StagePass (found on your Tassel dashboard) either printed out or as your phone background. It will be scanned before you cross the stage.

Graduates will need to register separately for their own ticket to participate in the University Ceremony on May 20, 2026.

Selling or buying tickets for Commencement Week events is strictly prohibited.

How many tickets can I get for my guests?

Graduates may request up to four (4) guest tickets for the GSAPP Graduation Ceremony on May 16, 2026.

Graduates may request up to two (2) guest tickets for the University Commencement on May 20, 2026.

Can I get additional tickets?

After the initial registration period closes, graduates will have the opportunity to register for up to two (2) additional tickets for the GSAPP Graduation Ceremony, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Details will be shared once the initial period closes.

Additional tickets for the University Commencement are not available.

Where can I order a cap and gown?

Note that academic regalia is required to participate in both Commencement ceremonies. All academic attire, including the cap and gown, is ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore. Columbia’s regalia webpage has updated information.

Will there be a photographer at the Commencement events?

A professional photography firm, GradImages, will be present at the GSAPP’s Graduation Ceremony and Receptions on May 16, as well as at the University Commencement on May 20. Graduates have the option to be photographed prior to walking across the stage and will have the opportunity to purchase photos following the event. GSAPP has also engaged an event photographer to document the reception, and these images will be shared with attendees.

My family and friends are coming from abroad. How do I help them attend the ceremony?

Please see the ISSO’s information on inviting family and friends to visit here. If graduating students need a formal invitation letter for international guests, please fill out this form to request one.

Will I get my diploma during the commencement?

Diplomas are not distributed during commencement celebrations, but will be mailed to the “Diploma Address” that is on file in SSOL. Please review the related instructions on the Columbia University Registrar website.

What if I am graduating with a dual degree? Will I walk twice?

Each graduate with a GSAPP dual degree will choose one of the programs with which to walk during the ceremony. You were able to select this in the graduate registration form confirming your participation. The second degree will be noted when your name is read at the ceremony and on the program. Students who are completing their dual degree in the Fall 2026 semester are eligible to participate in the May 2026 graduation ceremony.

Is the ceremony live-streamed?

The ceremonies will be live streamed on the University website for any guests unable to attend in person: GSAPP Class Day livestream.

What are the disability services for the event?

Graduates with guests who will need assistance or extra time to be seated are encouraged to contact us in advance at commencement@arch.columbia.edu and at access@columbia.edu with details so we will be prepared for your arrival and have appropriate seating available. We ask that guests needing assistance or in wheelchairs enter at the Amsterdam and 116th Street gate. Visit the Disability Services webpage for additional information.

Will students be nominated for awards?

Yes! 2026 Student Award recipients will be announced on May 16. You can find information about graduation prizes on the GSAPP Student Awards webpage.

2026 deadlines will be updated in the coming weeks.