Graduation 2026

SIPA Graduation (Class Day)

SIPA Graduation (also known as Class Day) will take place on May 21. On Class Day, we will recognize all SIPA’s master’s and PhD graduates and degree candidates from May 2026, February 2026, and October 2025. At the University Commencement on May 20, Columbia will officially confer academic degrees on graduates from every school.

Thursday, May 21, 2026
11:00 a.m. (ET)
South Lawn, Columbia University’s Morningside Campus

Reception to follow

The ceremony will be broadcast via livestream for those unable to attend in person.

Graduates and their guests will receive additional details about ticketing, academic attire, and other matters including event protocols later in the Spring. We look forward to sharing this information as soon as we know more.

2026 Graduation Speaker

Columbia University Commencement: Graduate Ceremony

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Columbia University, Morningside Campus
116th Street and Broadway, New York, NY 10027

The University has not yet announced ticketing instructions for University Commencement.

Visit Columbia’s Commencement website for the latest information about the all-University ceremony. 

Portrait Days

Portrait sessions will be offered between April 7 and April 16, with appointments available at various times throughout the day. Students register directly using the following link: https://rebrand.ly/PortraitDays2026

Appointment Times

• Tuesday, April 7 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 8 | 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 15 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Thursday, April 16 | 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

The University Ceremonies Office is hosting outdoor portrait days at three iconic locations on the Morningside Campus. Capture your milestone in the places that mean the most to you. These spaces will be reserved exclusively for professional photographers from GradImages, with a variety of portrait packages available for purchase directly through GradImages.

Questions?

Please contact SIPA’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) by email at [email protected] or telephone at 212-854-8590. You can also visit OSA on the 6th Floor of the International Affairs Building.