GRADUATION 2009

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from Columbia University! On the Graduation Zone website, students of Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science can gather information to assist them in planning for this special occasion.

Please feel free to e-mail Graduation Zone if you have any questions. We look forward to assisting you.

Over the next few months, we will communicate regularly with students to ensure that they receive detailed information about graduation ceremonies and events.

About Graduation Zone
Graduation Zone is a resource for graduates of Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and their families.

The Dean of Student Affairs Office plans the Class Day ceremonies for both CC and SEAS. Throughout the spring semester, this office communicates important information to graduates and their families as well as keeps this Web site up-to-date. We encourage you to check back often for new information.

It is our goal to ensure that this Web site contains all of the important details that will help students plan for their graduation and families make arrangements to visit campus. If you need additional assistance and are unable to find the answers to your questions on these pages, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to celebrating with you in May.

Graduation Zone is presented by:
Office of Events and Communications
The Division of Student Affairs
Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of
Engineering and Applied Science
www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/events/gradzone
gradzone@columbia.edu


Baccalaureate Service
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 10:30am
St. Paul's Chapel

The Baccalaureate Service is an interfaith ceremony that celebrates the completion of each undergraduate’s career. Baccalaureate Service is planned by the Office of the University Chaplain and University Programs and Events. No tickets are required. Seating is limited.


The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science Class Day
Monday, May 18, 2009 at 9:30 am
South Lawn


Columbia College Class Day
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 9:30 am
South Lawn

The Class Day exercises are school-specific ceremonies that celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2009. At Class Day, students’ names are read as they process across the stage and receive a class pin. A brief reception hosted by the dean of the school will follow each ceremony. Class Day is planned by the Dean of Student Affairs Office. No tickets are required for guests. Seating is unlimited.


University Commencement
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 10:30 am
Low Plaza

Commencement is the University-wide ceremony that marks the academic accomplishments of the University community. Degrees are officially conferred by the president, but graduates are not recognized individually. University Commencement is planned by University Programs and Events. Tickets are required for guests (limit 4 tickets per student). Students must pick up their tickets in advance.



Important Information for Graduates

Regalia, Rings, and Announcements
Columbia merchandise is available for sale at the University Bookstore in Lerner Hall. Students may order regalia, class rings, announcements, and diplomas frames at the Bookstore’s annual Grad Fair, which will be held from March 31-April 2. These items may also be purchased from the Bookstore and its outside vendors throughout the spring semester by visiting the Bookstore’s website: www.columbiabookstore.com

Yearbook and Senior Portraits
Students or parents may purchase the 2009 Columbian Yearbook online. Yearbook advertisements are a great way to commemorate a student’s accomplishments. A discount for ads will be offered until February 27; ad orders must be received by March 27. Please visit www.columbia.edu/cu/yearbook for details and purchasing instructions.

Please remind your senior to have his/her senior portrait taken on campus! The next sittings are scheduled for the week of February 9. Students should visit www.ouryear.com (school code 87186) to reserve a time.

Commencement Tickets
Each student may receive up to four tickets for guests to attend University Commencement. Tickets are not required for graduates. Tickets will be available in April and must be picked up in advance of the ceremony. Students will receive emails with instructions for claiming their tickets. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate requests for additional tickets.

Diplomas
Students may pick up diplomas following University Commencement until 2:30 pm. Columbia College students should pick up their diplomas in Alfred Lerner Hall. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) students should pick up diplomas from their academic department. Any diplomas not picked up on May 20 will be mailed to the student’s permanent address on file. After May 20, please contact the Columbia University Registrar with questions related to the mailing of diplomas.


Important Information for Guests

Parking & Arrival
Columbia University has no public parking facilities. Drivers are advised to drop off and pick up passengers on Broadway or Amsterdam near the 114 Street gates. For detailed and current
information on campus access please visit www.commencement.columbia.edu. Seating for Class Day ceremonies will begin at approximately 8:30 am. For Commencement, gates on 114 Street between Broadway and Amsterdam will open for guests at 8:30 am. You will be asked to present your tickets upon entry.

Accommodations
On-campus. A limited number of on-campus accommodations will be available on a first-come first-served basis starting on Friday, February 13 at 10:00 am. Rooms may be reserved from Monday, May 18 through Thursday, May 21. For more information and to make your reservation, please visit the Columbia Housing and Dining website:
www.columbia.edu/cu/housingdining.

Off-campus. For suggested off-campus accommodations, please visit the Commencement website. We recommend that you make reservations as soon as you know your travel plans.

Disability Services
Services and accommodations for guests with disabilities are coordinated through Columbia's Office of Disability Services (ODS). Wheelchair accessible seating and special seating for guests with mobility impairments, the elderly, and people with hearing and visual disabilities will be available. Sign-language interpreting services will be offered at Class Day and University Commencement in the disability seating areas. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available to borrow from ODS. Please contact ODS for campus accessibility maps or additional information: http://www.health.columbia.edu, 212.854.2388; disability@columbia.edu.

Weather
Ceremonial activities will continue outdoors rain or shine, so please be advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Not all ceremonies are tented, so guests are advised to bring umbrellas in case of rain.

We encourage you to check the Graduation Zone Web site: www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/gradzone and the University Commencement Web site: www.commencement.columbia.edu for up-to-date information.