Arrival Information

Getting to Commencement

We know that many of you are traveling from around the world to join us, and that your travels may be disrupted. If you are traveling to New York over the weekend or on Monday, we advise you to check airports, airlines, Amtrak, and NYC mass transit (MTA) for weather-related travel updates, as there may be delays or cancellations. Please see the links below.

Directions

Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUVMC) is located west of Broadway on 168th Street. Street addresses for most buildings fall between 600-722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032. View on Google Maps.

Parking on campus is extremely limited on campus. This is especially compounded during Commencement like events when thousands of additional guests visit our campus. Guests are encouraged to take public transportation; information on alternative transportation (instead of driving) is available here. Including but not limited to:

  • Public Transportation such as the MTA Bus and Subway system
  • Bicycle
  • Train or Interstate Bus

Tickets & Entry

  • All guests over the age of five must have a ticket for entry to The Armory. E
  • Each guest needs an individual ticket; only ticketed guests will be allowed into the venue.  
  • For an efficient entry process, please have your ticket saved/loaded or printed and ready to be scanned at the door when you reach the entrance. Each ticket can only be scanned once, and ticket QR codes cannot be shared with another guest. 
  • Guests with disabilities, limited mobility, or the elderly needing assistance do not need special tickets. Event host staff will have wheelchairs available to help escort guests needing assistance to the designated seating area. 
  • Tickets do not allow for re-entry; no re-entry is allowed to the Armory once a graduate or guest leaves.
  • For the safety of all guests, aisles must be kept clear at all times - please refrain from standing in the aisles once inside.

Onsite

  • Graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to leave ALL bags at home to facilitate a quick and easy entry into the Armory.
  • Any items that are brought must meet the requirements below. All items are subject to security screening. If you or a guest are bringing a medical or parenting bag, please be prepared to open the bag for screening at building entry. 
  • Water is available for guests inside the venue. 
  • The Armory does not have a storage area or coat/bag check.
  • Graduates – Do not bring bags, your items must fit in your pockets. Graduates cannot carry bags/items to seats or onstage, as items at seats may create a tripping hazard for other graduates. Do bring comfortable footwear and a fully charged phone (maybe even an external battery). 

Acceptable Items

  • Clear bags 
  • Medical bags and parenting bags (with child present)  
  • Medically needed items, such as mobility equipment 
  • Strollers for infants 
  • Cameras 
  • Flowers 
  • Umbrellas (that can be folded/placed under the seat) 
  • Pre-filled, reusable water bottle 

Prohibited Items

Guests that arrive with unacceptable items, including oversized bags, will not be admitted to the Armory. Guests will need to return prohibited items to their vehicles/home, or discard items to enter the Armory.   

  • Suitcases, backpacks, and large purses that may create a walking barrier to others  
  • Signage, such as posters, banners, flyers and any items that could obstruct the view of guests and graduates  
  • Large flags/flags on poles 
  • Outside food or drinks 
  • Balloons 
  • Pets/Animals (except for certified service animals, which are allowed) 
  • Weapons of any kind 
  • Amplified sound items such as air horns, or other distracting noisemakers 
  • Any item or devices that may interfere with and/or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests