CUIMC Commencement Week

Commencement Week 2025 is around the corner! As we commence the fun and prepare for Commencement Week—taking place from Tuesday, May 20 through Thursday, May 22—we’re calling on all faculty and staff to join us as volunteer hosts and bring enthusiasm, spirit, and energy to make it a memorable celebration for our graduates.

Join the Celebration

Wondering why you should volunteer for Commencement? Simple—your participation adds vibrancy to the entire graduation experience!

As a Commencement Host, you'll be the spark that lights up a room, making every moment more memorable for our graduates and their families. As a volunteer, you're not just an observer; you become integral to celebrating our graduates and the culmination of their hard work, dedication, and dreams.

Here's why you should consider being part of this remarkable experience:

  • Community Connections: Join a network of volunteers and forge lasting connections with fellow staff, students, and faculty, building a community that extends beyond the ceremony.
  • Personal Growth: Hone your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in a dynamic and celebratory environment.
  • Memorable Experience: Be a part of the joy and pride that radiates from every graduate and family member, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Your Role, Your Impact

No role is too big or too small! Whether you're guiding guests, handing out programs, or providing helpful information along the way, your contribution is the key to a seamless and spectacular celebration. 

Check out the list of available volunteer opportunities and learn how can you help:

  • Subway Greeter

    Subway Greeters guide guests who are commuting via public transportation to our various ceremony venues and offer assistance along key routes. 

    A man wearing a white polo shirt holds a radio and poses next to a graduate wearing a CU cap and gown

  • Outside Greeters

    Outside Greeters welcome guests and participants to the medical center and monitor guest queues for ceremonies in The Armory.  

    A doctoral graduate in their full regalia is looking at a woman in a white polo shirt as she is speaking

  • Disability Host

    Disability Hosts assist guests attending ceremonies in our various on-campus locations with elevator access, reserved seating, and access to restrooms and receptions, if applicable. 

    A man wearing a white polo shirt and blue button with the accessibility icon pushes a wheelchair

  • Armory Lobby Greeters

    Armory Lobby Greeters welcome faculty, graduates, and guests, directing them to respective gathering locations. They also may aid in guiding graduate processions and manage ticket scanning and re-entry procedures with assigned stamps. 

    A man wearing a white polo shirt over a long-sleeved blue shirt smiles as he speaks with a young women who also is smiling and wearing the same white polo shirt

  • General Hosts

    Armory General Hosts offer directions and information to guests throughout the facility, including restrooms, reception, ceremony, and medical areas.  

    An older woman in a white polo shirt with reading glasses on her head smiles as a two people walk by her

  • Seating Hosts

    Seating Hosts assist with distributing programs and ushering guests to available seats in an orderly manner.  

    A younger woman and an older woman embrace while holding a printed blue program booklet

  • Floater Hosts

    Commencement Floaters provide flexible support during the graduation ceremony, receiving specific assignments from their captain and relieving hosts as required. They also assist in guiding the School of Nursing and Mailman School of Public Health processions.

    A young woman smiles as she stands at the top of an auditorium

Available Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer host opportunities are available for the following ceremonies:  

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

  • Programs in Physical Therapy Convocation and Awards Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 
  • School of Nursing Graduation Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
  • Program in Genetic Counseling Graduation Ceremony, 2:30 - 6 p.m. 
  • Mailman School of Public Health Class Day, 2 - 7:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

  • Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons Graduation Ceremony, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. 

Thursday, May 22, 2025

  • Programs in Occupational Therapy Convocation and Awards Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
  • College of Dental Medicine Graduation Ceremony, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
  • Human Nutrition Class Day Celebration, 12:30 - 4 p.m. 
  • College of Dental Medicine Postdoctoral Graduation Ceremony, 2:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Sign Up Now and Commence the Fun

Ready to be a part of something extraordinary? Fill out the Commencement Host Survey with your supervisor's approval before Wednesday, April 30, 2025. 

  • March 7, 2025: Commencement volunteer registration available.
  • April 30, 2025: Deadline to register as a Commencement volunteer.
  • Early May 2025: CUIMC Events will confirm volunteer placement with those who have registered.
  • May 19, 2025: All volunteers must attend a mandatory training session in Alumni Auditorium. Confirmed volunteers will receive additional information.
  • May 20-22, 2025: CUIMC Commencement Week

Visit the Columbia University Commencement website for the latest information on this year's commencement activities, including information on school-specific ceremonies.