Columbia University Graduation
Filing for Graduation – Deadlines and Procedure
Students beginning their final semester should review the dates
to file for graduation. If you miss the deadline, apply as soon as possible. Please send questions to registrar@columbia.edu
Students should complete the online Application for Degree available directly within SSOL, under the Degree Application Status tab.
All students eligible to apply through this online Application will find a button on the bottom of the Degree Application Status page, marked “Apply for Degree or Certification.” Clicking the button will allow students to submit their Application for Degree directly to the Office of the Registrar.
Please note that your SSOL may not be updated with your correct conferral date until a couple weeks before it occurs. If it is still not updated, please email registrar@columbia.edu. When your records have been updated, you’ll be able to go to SSOL and click on “Degree Application Status.” Your correct conferral date should show in “Expected Graduation.” The word “Submitted” should show in the Application Status Field.
Students must complete program requirements to graduate.
Checking for Graduation Approval
Notification of graduation will be listed in SSOL: SSOL > Academic Profile > Columbia Degrees and Specializations. Students who complete their studies in December will have the following February as their official graduation date.
Degrees are conferred in:
- February (Those that complete program requirements at the end of a Fall semester)
- May (Those that complete program requirements at the end of a Spring semester)
- October (Those that complete program requirements over the Summer)
Once graduated, the “Degree Application Status” will read “There Are No Programs on File” and the newly conferred degree will appear near the bottom of the Academic Profile in the box headed “Columbia Degrees and Specializations”.
It is the student’s responsibility to stay on track with graduation requirements, and to make sure their Faculty Adviser approves course selections prior to registering for each semester. Schedules should be reviewed again if changes are made.
Diploma
The Office of the University Registrar provides an Electronic Diploma to graduates. Students without any outstanding holds automatically receive their electronic diploma 1-2 weeks after their degree conferral. They receive an email from Parchment, our digital vendor, with download instructions. For questions, please contact the Diplomas Team at diplomas@columbia.edu.
Paper diplomas for graduates will be mailed to the address on file in the “Diploma Address” section of the “Addresses: View and Update” page in SSOL. Diplomas are mailed within two months of the graduation date. If there is no DP address on file, the diploma cannot be sent. To pick up the diploma in 205 Kent Hall, the DP address should be: “Hold for Pickup.” An email is sent when the diplomas are ready for pick-up. Questions should be sent to diplomas@columbia.edu.
Graduation Ceremonies in mid-May
- GSAS Convocation
- Columbia University Commencement
Columbia holds its formal graduation ceremonies in May for all students. MA Statistics students who graduate in the previous February or October may participate in the ceremonies in May. The GSAS Convocation does not require individual tickets for family members to attend. The Columbia Commencement limits the number of tickets. Further information for students on participation in the ceremonies can be found HERE.
Inviting Friends and Family (International Students)
Information on how to invite distant family and friends for Graduation is HERE.
Academic Certifications
If official proof of student enrollment is required by an employer or another entity, please visit the Office of the University Registrar in 204 Kent. For academic certification, an official document provided by the University Registrar verifying your dates of attendance, award of degree, and/or student status (full-time or part-time) by semester please visit Office of the University Registrar: Certifications. Current matriculated students can request enrollment certification via SSOL.
Request for Transcripts
Inquiries for transcript requests should go to the Office of the Registrar –