This collection consists primarily of academic robes and hoods of various Columbia professors and administrators, especially those given to these individuals for honorary degrees at other universities. The collection also contains some other textile materials, including the Women's Banner or Butler Library Banner (in two parts), Columbia College banners and flags, and some crew sweaters. Additional textiles can be found in the University Artifacts Collection (UA#0016).

The Commencement Collection contains primarily printed material, such as programs, tickets, and pamphlets concerning the Columbia University graduation ceremonies.