Frequently Asked Questions
Inauguration FAQs
A: The ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Low Plaza on Morningside Campus on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Please refer to the below map to help you navigate campus. In the event of severe inclement weather, an announcement with an alternative location will be made.
A: A full schedule of inauguration events will begin to be announced in the coming weeks. Please check the inauguration homepage for more details.
A: We would be delighted to welcome a delegate on behalf of your University. Please note, all delegates should bring their own regalia to participate in the academic procession. Email [email protected] to coordinate further details.
A: Columbia University faculty needing regalia must register by Wednesday, September 20. Leaders and delegates from peer institutions should bring their own regalia for the investiture ceremony.
For the evening celebration, the dress code is casual, or your dancing best!
If you have further questions, please email us at [email protected].
A: Columbia University is committed to making its ceremonies accessible to all attendees and participants. Guests with disabilities or limited mobility, older individuals needing assistance, or those in need of additional accommodations should enter campus through 116th Street at Amsterdam Avenue. Disability Access Map is intended to serve as a guide to the accessibility of the campus. For more information about accessibility, please contact Disability Services by email at [email protected] or phone at 212-854-2388 (Voice/TTY).
A. The Columbia Visitors Center includes a broad range of information on accommodations, historical tours, campus maps, directions, and other services.
A. A webcast of the investiture ceremony will be available on columbia.edu and president.columbia.edu for live, online viewing the day of, as well as after the ceremony.
A. Due to Columbia’s commitment to global sustainability efforts, single-use plastic bottles will not be distributed. We encourage you to bring your own pre-filled reusable bottle and use any of the public water stations on campus as needed.
A: As we gather to celebrate the inauguration of President Shafik, it is essential for all students, faculty, staff, and guests to continue practicing habits and behaviors that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Please refer to the University’s guidance on how to keep our community healthy during this occasion.