Graduation
Relocation to Baker Athletics Complex
The University announced that school-based Recognition Ceremonies will move from the South Lawn to Columbia’s Baker Athletics Complex, in order to provide the best conditions to keep each ceremony safe, respectful, and running smoothly.
You can find all up to date information regarding the new location, transportation, what to bring, and more on this landing page.
Baker Athletics Complex
505 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034
Arrivals
Students
Students will be checked in by Columbia Business School staff and, if applicable, their Cluster Leads. Please arrive at the Class of 1905 Gate with your CUID. CUID is required to enter the facility. You will line up at the Inner Concourse.
Student Arrival Times
EMBA and PhD: 7:00 AM
MBA: 10:30 AM
Regalia
Regalia (your cap and gown) is required to participate in the Recognition Ceremonies. Columbia University Masters regalia can be picked up at the Columbia Bookstore (located on the Morningside Campus). They are open every day from 9 AM - 6 PM. EMBA students can connect with their program office for their regalia.
Graduation Guidelines
- 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.
- All participants and guests attending Commencement season event(s) understand and agree to follow the responsibilities set forth in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.
Guests
Guests will queue up at Gate B. All guests will require a ticket for entrance to the stadium. We recommend your guests print or screenshot their ticket (with the QR code visible). All tickets can be found using your MarchingOrder log in information.
Guest Arrival Times
EMBA and PhD: Gate opens at 7:00 AM
MBA: Gate opens at 10:30 AM
Accessible Guest Arrival
Guests with disabilities or limited mobility, older individuals needing assistance, or those in need of sign language interpretation will queue on the left of Gate B. There will be a designated line with members of the Disability Services Team there to support your guests.
Ticketing
All guests must have a ticket. It is the responsibility of each graduate to ensure that their guests have received their tickets in advance of the ceremony. Children under the age of three do not require a ticket.
Guest tickets will still state the location is the South Lawn: These tickets are valid for admission. Tickets cannot be edited at this time. All tickets that have been claimed will be valid for admission at the Baker Athletics Complex.
What to Bring
Don't leave home without it! Here's how you can prepare:
- Have tickets printed, saved, loaded, and/or ready to scan.
- Guests will be required to present a government ID upon entering the facility (e.g. license, passport, etc.).
- Pre-filled, reusable water bottle.
- Prepare for inclement weather.
- Wear comfortable footwear; heels are not recommended.
- Fully charged phone (and maybe even an external battery).
- Pack light! Bags, backpacks, and purses larger than 5x7 inches are not permitted. All guests will be subject to bag checks at entry.
Prohibited Items
It's important to remember what to bring, but also think about what not to bring. Balloons, sky lanterns, and other celebratory embellishments such as large placards, signs, or flags are not permitted at Commencement events. We hope to work together as a community to reduce waste, avoid potential tree entanglements, and provide an unobstructed and positive experience for all our graduates and guests. Prohibited items include: outside food or drinks; glass bottles; pets or animals (certified service animals are allowed); clothing deemed obscene or offensive; weapons of any kind, firearms, and knives; laser pointers; pepper spray/mace; lighters or matches; balloons, signs, posters, banners, flyers, or any items that could obstruct the view of guests and graduates; flags or flag posts; amplified sound items and noisemaking devices including cowbells and airhorns; and any item that may interfere with and/or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests.
Directions to Baker Athletics Complex
Graduates and their guests are encouraged to take public transportation
- By MTA NYC Subway
- Take the 1 Train to 215th Street. Walk two blocks north and cross Broadway at W. 218th Street.
- Take the A Train to 207th Street. Proceed north to 218th Street.
- By MTA Metro-North Commuter Rail: Marble Hill Station is located just across the Harlem River from Baker Athletics Complex, at 225th Street. Walk east to Broadway, then south across the Broadway Bridge to 218th Street.
Parking is not available on-site and is extremely limited around the complex. The local garages below are not affiliated with Columbia University but are located in close proximity to the Baker Athletics Complex.
Parking Locations
216-10 Parking Corporation
4055 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10034 (at 216th Street)
212-304-0315
5060 Auto Service Inc.
4036 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10034 (at 215th Street)
212-567-9504
Edison Park Fast NY Parking
3976 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10034 (at 212th Street)
212-567-5186
All Parking Corp
5051 Broadway, New York, NY 10034 (on Broadway between 215th and 216th)
646-590-7402
Sherman Parking
210 Sherman Avenue, New York, NY 10034 (on 207th)
212-544-7275
Reception
Reception
All graduates and their Recognition Ceremony ticket holders are welcome! Students should RSVP for themselves and their guests to attend the reception. Please remember to keep your wristbands, as they are required for entry to the reception. This is a wonderful opportunity to show your guests Geffen and Kravis Hall, connect with faculty and staff, and celebrate your incredible achievement.
Open to all graduating EMBA, MBA, PhD and guests
Saturday May 11, 2024
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Geffen and Kravis Halls, Manhattanville Campus
645-665 W 130th St, New York, NY, 10027
RSVP on CampusGroups by Friday, May 10th at 5pm*
*We appreciate your understanding that our venue has capacity limits, and we're working hard to accommodate as many guests as possible for the reception.
To enter the reception, please have your recognition day ceremony ticket, wristband, and government issued ID.
Geffen Hall:
- Alumni Suite (photo booth available)
- Geffen Board Rooms 310-330 (bar and food available)
- Cooperman Commons (photo opportunity)
Kravis Hall
- Smith Dining Hall and Samberg Commons (bar and food available)
- Kravis 4th floor Screening Room (designated seating area, photo booth available)
- Kravis 1040 (bar and food available)
A private lactation room is available upon request. Please speak with any staff member for access. Of course, you are welcome to nurse in any location where you feel comfortable.
Digital Programs
MBA Recognition Digital Program
Please click the link below to access the MBA Recognition Ceremony Digital Program.
Executive MBA & PhD Recognition Digital Program
Please click the link below to access the Executive MBA and PhD Recognition Ceremony Digital Program.