Location: South Lawn, Morningside Campus
The South Lawns are located on lower campus, between Butler Library and College Walk. The West Lawn is adjacent to Lerner Hall, the Journalism Building and Furnald Lawn.
Address and Map
Arrivals
Students
Students will be checked in by Columbia Business School staff and, if applicable, their Cluster Leads. Please arrive at the Alfred Lerner Hall with your CUID. CUID is required to enter the facility. You will line up in Lerner Auditorium.
Student Arrival Times
- MS and PhD: 7:00 AM
- EMBA and MBA: 11:00 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 our office for more information.
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. 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, 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 these rules, visit the Rules Administrator webpage.
Guests
Guests will queue on 120 Street on either Broadway or Amsterdam Avenue. All guests will require a ticket for entrance to campus. We recommend your guests print or screenshot their ticket (with the QR code visible). All tickets can be found using your Tassel log in information.
Guest Arrival Times
- MS and PhD: 7:00 AM
- EMBA and MBA: 11:00 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 Amsterdam Avenue and 116th Street. 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.
Photo ID is required for guest and graduate entry.
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 photo 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).
- Columbia University asks graduates and guests to travel light. Bags of any type and gifts are not permitted for University Commencement. Wallets and small clutches are allowed but subject to screening upon entry. Exceptions for ADA, nursing, and medically necessary items will be permitted following inspection. Any item requiring additional screening may delay entry.
Prohibited Items
- 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.
- The full list of what you cannot bring:
- Obstructive or Disruptive Items
- Signs, placards, or banners of any kind
- 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
- Sharp objects or laser pointers
- Any other item deemed dangerous, inappropriate, or in violation of University policies
- Obstructive or Disruptive Items
Directions to the South Lawns
Graduates and their guests are encouraged to take public transportation. Travel like a New Yorker and use the subway. For most people, New York City's subway system will be the best way to get to and from Columbia University during Commencement season. To avoid the hassle of buying a subway card, you can tap to pay your fare at turnstiles using your contactless bank card or your smartphone’s digital wallet.
- BEST OPTION: NYC subway
- Take the number 1 Train to 116th Street station. The Number 1 Train runs about every 4 minutes during the day and early evening hours and serves the entire length of Manhattan’s west side. It connects many key locations including Midtown, Penn Station, Times Square, Lower Manhattan, Upper West Side, West Harlem, and Washington Heights. Travel time from Midtown to Columbia’s Morningside Campus at 116th Street is approximately 20 minutes.
* Please note that the 116th Street subway station is not wheelchair accessible; the nearest accessible subway station is 96th Street.
- Using Google Maps, navigate to:
- Morningside Campus: Columbia University, 116th Street and Broadway, New York, NY
- Medical Center Campus: Best to use an exact street address, but can use Columbia University Irving Medical Center for the general location
- Manhattanville Campus: Best to use an exact street address, but can use 601 W 125th Street for the general location
- Additional travel tips, apps, and maps:
- Download an offline version of the NYC Subway map for Google Play or Apple.
- Download an offline map of the NYC area on Google Maps so you can search basic destinations while traveling between stops on the subway where there’s no cell signal or WiFi.
- Download the Transit app for real-time transit information and arrival countdowns.
- Columbia University campus maps
Parking
There is no on-campus parking available during Commencement season. Due to the large number of visitors to campus and the space limitations of many garages, allow ample time to find parking. A list of nearby garages is provided below. Please call ahead to confirm availability. (This list is intended for reference only and does not constitute a recommendation by the University).
There is very limited parking available on the street. If you do find a spot on the street, take careful note of postings indicating parking restrictions. Many streets surrounding campus are blocked off and kept clear during Commencement Week. Cars parked in restricted areas are at risk of being towed.
If you are driving to campus with a guest requiring assistance, there are gates on Amsterdam Avenue designated for guests with disabilities, those with limited mobility, and the elderly. Learn more about Disability Services on Commencement Day.
Parking Locations
125 St Waterfront LLC
627 West 125th Street
Between St. Claire’s Place and West 125th
212-665-4929
Open 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sat-Sun)
Claremont Parking Corp.
Riverside Church
West 120th Street
Between Claremont Avenue and Riverside Drive
212-870-6736
Open 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Mon–Fri)
Open 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Sat-Sun)
Manhattan Parking 110 LLC (small cars only)
543 West 110th Street
Between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
212-222-7813
Open 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Mon–Sun)
MTP 3300 Broadway Corp
3270 Broadway (Broadway & 131 Street)
212- 280-7487
Open 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sun)
MTP 125th Waterfront LLC
69th St. Clair Place (W 125th & Hudson River Greenway)
212-665-4929
Open 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sat–Sun)
Quickpark (small cars only)
808 Columbus Avenue
Additional Entrance at the corner of West 97th Street
212-866-2288
Open 24/7
Uni Facility Corp
631 West 131 Street
Between Broadway and 12th Avenue
212-368-2579
Open 9:00 a.m. –11:45 p.m. (Mon)
Open 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. (Tues—Fri)
Closed Sat—Sun
West Side Parking (small cars only)
234 West 108th Street
Between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
212-222-8800
Open 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Reception
Reception
All graduates and their Recognition Ceremony ticket holders are welcome! Please remember to keep your wristbands provided to you at the Recognition Ceremonies, 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.
MS & PhD Reception
Saturday May 16, 2026
10 AM - 11:30 AM
Geffen and Kravis Halls, Manhattanville Campus
645-665 W 130th St, New York, NY, 10027
EMBA & MBA Reception
Saturday, May 16, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Geffen and Kravis Halls, Manhattanville Campus
645-665 W 130th St, New York, NY, 10027
To enter the reception, please have your recognition day ceremony ticket, wristband, and photo issued ID.
Access an online map of the activities.
A private lactation room is available upon request. Please ask any staff member for access. You are also 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.