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Ceremony Guidelines
We are delighted to welcome you to our Class Day celebration—a momentous occasion to honor the achievements, growth, and hard work of our graduating class. To ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and respectful experience for all attendees, we kindly ask that everyone adhere to the following guidelines. These measures are in place to maintain the dignity of the ceremony, ensure safety, and help us create a memorable event for graduates, families, and guests alike. Thank you for your cooperation and support in making this day truly special.
We want to work together as a community to provide a safe, positive, and unobstructed experience for all our graduates and guests. The following items are not permitted.
- Obstructive or Disruptive Items
- Signs, placards, or banners of any kind
- Flags
- Balloons or sky lanterns
- Any item that obstructs views or interferes with amplified sound
- Noise-making devices, including airhorns and cowbells
- Any item that may interfere with or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests
- Dangerous Items
- Weapons of any kind, including pepper spray or mace
- Glass bottles or projectiles
- Lighters, matches, or flammable materials
- Sharp objects or laser pointers
- Any other item deemed dangerous, inappropriate, or in violation of University policies.
For more guidance, visit the university’s webpage: Columbia University Commencement.
Commencement season is a time to celebrate and enjoy the accomplishments of our graduates. To honor the spirit and significance of this occasion, we do not permit the interruption of speakers or audience disruptions. We ask that graduates communicate these expectations to their guests in advance.
All participants and guests attending Commencement season events understand and agree to follow the responsibilities outlined in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct (Rules), Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy, and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.
University Delegates and Public Safety officers will be on site and may intervene if activity arises that may conflict with the provisions of the Rules. Members of the University community are reminded of their obligation to comply with Delegate directives pursuant to Section 443.a(16)-(20). For additional updates regarding the Rules, see the Rules Administrator.
- Face coverings are not permitted unless required for religious or medical reasons.
- Mortarboards, stoles, or other regalia should not contain language, symbols, or imagery that could violate University policies.
- By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your school-specific ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded. Please note that these photos and recordings may be shared publicly or on social media at the discretion of the University, and an archived video will be made available online for viewing after the event.