Graduate Information

All expected gradutes must apply to graduate and register to walk at both Class Day and University Commencement. In order to receive updates and information about commencement activities including tickets, regalia and day of details, students must complete the graduation application process by the expected degree conferral deadlines in order to be on the listserv. Completing the application process in SSOL is what triggers your status as "graduate" and subsequent access to register for Class Day and University Commencement. Please note, you must also be subscribed to university related communication to receive graduation updates. 

All graduates (October, February and May) who plan to attend the May graduation ceremonies must wear academic regalia to both the Mailman and all-university Commencement ceremonies. Regalia can be ordered online or in-store at the Morningside Bookstore.

2026 GRAD FAIR
Tuesday, February 17 - Friday, February 20
11 AM - 6 PM l Morningside Campus Bookstore
 

Master’s Students (MPH, MHA, and MS)

Masters candidates at Columbia University wear a cap (mortarboard) with a tassel and gown; no hood is used. Master’s regalia is available for purchase and not available for rental.

Master's Recipients wear a cap and gown, with no hood, which can be obtained:

• In-store: Available starting on Tuesday, February 17th, through Commencement.
• Online: Available starting on Saturday, February 22nd, through Friday, March 20th to be directly shipped to students. 

Doctoral students (PhD and DrPH)

Doctoral recipients wear a gown, hood and velvet tam (cap). All three components are required in order to walk in all commencement ceremonies. Doctoral regalia can be reserved online or in-store for rental or purchase. 

• In-store: Available starting on Tuesday, February 17th, through Commencement. 
• Online: Available starting on Saturday, February 22nd, through Sunday, April 12th.
  • Ship-to-home options are unavailable online. Email bkscolumbia@bncollege.com for shipment options.
  • Pick Up: Available starting on Monday, April 20th, at the Morningside Campus Bookstore if the order is placed by April 13th.

Mortarboards, stoles, or other regalia should not contain language, symbols, or imagery that could violate University policies.

Mailman School has partnered with Tassel for ticketing and name pronunciation for the 2026 Class Day ceremony. All eligible graduates who plan on attending Class Day on Tuesday, May 19 are required to register in Tassel in order for their name to be announced at the ceremony as well as to obtain guest tickets. Following spring break, graduates will receive an automated activation email fromTassel to complete their registration. Once registered, each graduate may request up to six (6) guest tickets.

• All graduates will check-in at 2:15pm. Check-in rooms for MS, MHA and MPH students will be on Lower Level 1 and 2 of the Hammer Building and exact classroom assignments will be sent several days prior to Class Day. Check-in for Doctoral students will be at the Millrose Room of the Armory off the lobby (Only graduates can enter HSC, not guests. Guests should go directly to the Armory).
• Students will begin processing at 3:20 p.m. 
• Graduates may not leave personal items in the check-in rooms and should not carry items with them into the Armory. We recommend leaving them with your guests.
• Graduates should bring their CUID for entering the Hammer Health Science Center at graduate check-in.
• Students are encouraged to review all information posted to the Entry and Tickets section of the website.

The Mailman School has partnered with Island Photography for photo coverage of the Class Day ceremony. Every graduate will be photographed as you are recognized across stage and return to your seat. To ensure you receive your free commencement day proofs quickly and accurately you must complete this Selfie Check-in! There is absolutely no obligation to purchase.

Class Speaker Selection Process 

A highlight of the commencement ceremony, the Class Speaker provides the graduating class with an opportunity to hear from one of their own. The selected speaker's remarks will also be shared with the community as a Message to the Graduating Class. 

Graduating students interested in being considered for this honor should carefully review the instructions for our three-part selection process and pay close attention to all deadlines. 

Eligibility: 
Participants must meet the following criteria: 

• Be an October 2025 or February 2026 graduate, or a May or October 2026 graduate degree candidate (MPH, MHA, MS, DrPH, PhD) actively registered during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

• Dual MPH students currently registered at their partner schools are also eligible. 

• Candidates and the selected speaker must be in good standing as described in the Mailman School Community Standards and Student Handbook, as well as the University's Standards & Discipline. 

Timeline: 
Participants must complete the steps outlined below by the specified deadlines. 

• April 9 - Class Speaker Nomination Form Due by Noon: Complete the Class Speaker Nomination Form by April 10. This form includes a 7-minute draft of your proposed speech along with supporting faculty or staff email for references. 

• April 16 - Semi-finalists Notified: A committee composed of faculty, staff and students will review the submissions and select semi-finalists to submit a two-minute audio pitch of their speech. Semi-finalists will be notified on April 16. All students who submit remarks are encouraged to begin preparing their one-minute pitch soon after their initial submission and before the dates set for recording.  

• April 19 - Semi-Finalists Audio Submission Due:  Audio recordings will be published online on April 20 for all participating graduates to view and vote on. Graduates will vote for their top two class speaker candidates. Voting will close April 24. The top choices from the video review will be notified on April 24 and move on to the final stage.  

• April 30, 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 PM Finalist Review: Class Speaker finalists will need to present their remarks to the original reader committee and other special guests in ARB 8th Floor Auditorium.  

The selected Class Speaker will be notified on Friday, May 1. The Office of Student Affairs will work with the finalist on refinement and delivery; however, no revisions may be made to the selected speech following this review.

Class Speaker Guidelines and Tips  

The class speaker represents the graduating class and inspires the audience with a speech that celebrates accomplishments, reflects on shared experiences, and looks toward the future of public health. Your speech should: 

• Engage the graduating class, faculty, families, friends, and distinguished guests. 

• Celebrate your journey at Mailman while addressing issues relevant to public health. 

• Inspire action, perseverance, and collaboration as graduates embark on their next steps. 

Develop Your Theme and Content 

• ​​​​​Reflect on your aspirations, convictions, and goals and focus on a single, strong theme. Weave it consistently throughout your speech. 

• Use specific examples or anecdotes to hold your audience’s attention. Consider sharing a personal journey or a defining moment that led you to public health. 

• Ensure your speech is relatable and appropriate for the occasion in its tone and content. Your speech should resonate with a broad audience, including students, faculty, families, and guests. 

• Incorporate Key Elements: 

• Explain complex public health issues in a way that’s engaging and accessible to all. 

• Include a motivating “charge to the class” as a closing challenge or call to action. 

Structure Your Speech 

While there is no fixed format, many effective commencement speeches follow this structure: 

• Opening: Begin with a warm welcome to Dean Linda Fried, invited speakers, faculty, classmates, and guests and establish a connection with the audience by setting an inclusive and celebratory tone. 

• Body: Highlight key moments of growth as a student and member of the Mailman community. This is an opportunity to address the relevance of public health issues, weaving in personal stories or shared experiences. 

• Closing: Deliver an inspiring charge to the graduating class, encouraging them to embrace their roles as public health leaders. 

Refine and Finalize

• A 7-minute speech usually ranges from 500 to 700 words. Practice your delivery while timing yourself to ensure it fits within this limit. 

• Practice your speech with family or friends, or record yourself to evaluate your pacing and make adjustments. 

Submission Criteria and Evaluation 

Your speech will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

• Engagement with the audience and relatability to graduates, faculty, and guests. 

• Clarity and structure, including a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. 

• Appropriateness for the occasion in tone, content, and pace of delivery. 

• Inspirational content that celebrates the past and looks forward to future achievements. 

• Public speaking skills and the ability to capture the significance of the ceremony within the allotted time.