Commencement Campus Access

Upcoming Changes to Campus Access 

As we prepare for Commencement and Class Days on campus, Public Safety wants all Columbia community members and their guests to know how to enter campus during this time. Different entrances will be available for graduates, ceremony attendees, and other community members entering campus. Make sure to review this page before traveling to campus.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We're excited to celebrate you.

Graduates and Commencement Ticket Holders

If you are a graduate or have a ticket to attend Commencement or a Class Day ceremony, please visit the How to Prepare page or the School Ceremonies page on the Commencement website for additional information. 

Commencement Website

CUID Holders

During Class Days 

Friday, May 15 – Tuesday, May 19 & Thursday, May 21

Please note the following schedule changes for campus entrances:

  • 116th Street & Broadway: This is one of the primary entry points for individuals attending Class Day ceremonies and will be closed to other entrants during the day.
    • Evenings and overnight hours only from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
       
  • 116th Street & Amsterdam: Pedestrian traffic may be temporarily held at the conclusion of each ceremony to allow Class Day attendees and graduates to exit.
    • Open 24/7
       
  • Northwest Corner Building (120th Street & Broadway)
    • Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    • Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    • Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
       
  • Earl Gate (117th Street & Broadway)
    • Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
       
  • Carman Gate (114th Street & Broadway)
  • Chapel Gate (117th Street & Broadway)
    • Open daily 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
       
  • Wien Gate (116th Street between Amsterdam Avenue & Morningside Drive)
    • Open 24/7

On Commencement Day

Wednesday, May 20

Only essential personnel, University Commencement volunteers, and staff supporting Commencement-related activities should report to the Morningside campus on Commencement Day. All other Morningside Campus employees are expected to work remotely to the extent possible.

If you are coming to campus on Commencement Day, please note campus access will be limited:

  • Beginning at 6:00 a.m., you cannot cross College Walk to travel between upper and lower campuses
  • To access upper campus: Enter at the Northwest Corner Building (120th Street & Broadway)
  • To access lower campus: Enter at the Hartley/Wallach Gate (115th & Amsterdam)
  • Campus will become accessible at its normal entry points after the day’s second ceremony ends around 6:30 p.m.

Alumni & Guests

During Class Days 

Friday, May 15 – Tuesday, May 19 & Thursday, May 21

  • The guest registration portal for student and alumni requests will be suspended from Saturday, May 16, at 12 p.m. through Thursday, May 21. Any student/alumni generated QR codes will not work for campus entry during this time.
  • Approved guests with a QR code may use any of the gates open to CUID holders.

On Commencement Day

Wednesday, May 21

  • Approved guests for departmental celebrations should follow the instructions provided to them for entry to campus.