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.

Sign up to volunteer for Commencement Week 2025(link is external and opens in a new window) 

Join the Celebration

Wondering why you should volunteer for Commencement(link is external and opens in a new window)? 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

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

  • Outside Greeters

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

  • Disability Host

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

  • Armory Lobby Greeters

    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

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

  • Seating Hosts

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

  • Floater Hosts

    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:  

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(link is external and opens in a new window).
  • 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.