Updates for Our Neighbors About Columbia Graduation Ceremonies
What You Need to Know, May 10, 2024
The majority of Columbia University's school graduation ceremonies will take place at Columbia's Baker Athletics Complex at the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.
For updated information, please visit the official Commencement website for announcements and information about school ceremonies.
Class Days Schedule of Events at Baker Athletics Complex
Friday, May 10
- 8:30 am to 10:30 am: School of Professional Studies, Morning Ceremony
- 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm: School of Professional Studies, Afternoon Ceremony
- 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm: School of Social Work
- 7:00 pm: Events expected to conclude
Saturday, May 11
- 8:00 am to 10:00 am: Columbia Business School, EMBA & PhD Candidate
- 11:30 am to 1:30 pm: Columbia Business School, MBA Candidates
- 3:00 pm: Events expected to conclude
Sunday, May 12
- 8:00 am to 9:00 am: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, PhD Candidates
- 11:00 am to 12:45 pm: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, MA Candidates
- 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm: School of Engineering and Applied Science, Graduate Students
- 6:00 pm: Events expected to conclude
Monday, May 13
- 8:00 am to 10:30 am: School of General Studies
- 11:45 am to 1:30 pm: School of Engineering and Applied Science, Undergraduates
- 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm: Columbia Law School
- 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm: School of International and Public Affairs
- 10:00 pm: Events expected to conclude
Tuesday, May 14
- 9:30 am to 12:00 pm: Columbia College
- 1:00 pm: Events expected to conclude
Further Information
To every extent possible, we have scheduled events during day-time hours in order to avoid noise and lighting impacts to our neighbors during late evenings and early mornings.
Columbia is working very closely with its event producers in order to minimize amplification and the projection of sound beyond the stadium.
Additionally, the University is coordinating closely with Community Board 12, local elected officials, the Inwood Owners Coalition, local schools, and other stakeholders to inform our neighbors about the schedule of events and what to expect in the surrounding community. As events get underway, we will keep in touch with these entities and will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.
Columbia has been coordinating very closely with NYPD in order to ensure the safety and well-being of event participants, guests, and our neighbors. NYPD’s 34th Precinct is responsible for public safety outside of the event venues and questions or concerns regarding these areas should be directed to the precinct’s Neighborhood Coordination Officers. We expect an enhanced police presence in the neighborhood as well as additional resources around the perimeter of the event venues.
Given recent events, we are anticipating the possibility of protest activities outside of the event venue. NYPD is aware of the possibility and is responsible for implementing an appropriate plan in order to minimize any disruptions to scheduled events and to our neighbors who live and work in the surrounding areas. Columbia will continue to work closely with NYPD throughout the graduation period.
Alongside NYPD and with the help of our outside experts, Columbia University Public Safety has designed a robust plan to ensure the safety and security of our graduates and guests attending events inside the Baker Athletics Complex venues. Only graduates and their ticketed guests will be permitted entry into the Stadium, and all guests will pass through a security check-point prior to entering the venue. Further, all participants and guests attending graduation season event(s) understand and agree to follow the responsibilities set forth in Columbia University policies, including the University's Rules of University Conduct and its Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be removed from the premises.
The University has informed all graduates and guests that there is no on-site or street parking; they have been instructed to use public transportation:
- 1 Train at 215th Street
- A Train at 207th Street
- Metro North Rail at Marble Hill
- Local bus service, including the Bx7, Bx20, and M100
The MTA has been informed of the schedule of events to ensure that there are no planned disruptions to regularly scheduled service.
We have identified the following off-site parking garages as alternatives and have informed guests that capacity is limited:
- 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 Street)
212-544-7275
No street closures are anticipated before, after, or during any of the above events. However, during brief periods of peak crowd egress, NYPD may choose to temporarily alter traffic patterns in order to ensure the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles.
The University has requested permission to temporarily restrict access to the Parking Lane along the north side of 218th Street, between Seaman Avenue and Broadway. We anticipate that this lane will be restricted to authorized vehicles beginning the evening of May 9 and continuing through the afternoon of May 14. No other modifications to street parking are anticipated.
All guests will enter and depart the Soccer Stadium via Gate B (505 W. 218th St) and line up towards Broadway. The Concourse under the football field will be used for student line up and students will enter via the Class of 1905 Gate.