Commencement Key Dates
Please be sure to check the HBS Doctoral Dissertation pages for information about dissertation guidelines and deadlines.
Key Dates
February 11
Degree applications open for May graduation open in my.harvard.
March 18
Deadline to Apply to Graduate for May in my.harvard.
March 20
The Doctoral Programs office is able to provide a Commencement Invitation letter in support of guests' visa applications. We do not arrange visas for guests. Please include your family member's name(s) and relationship(s) to you, family member's date of birth, family member's passport number, and agency (or person) to whom the letter should be addressed. The letter will verify your status as a graduating student.
April 1
If you are purchasing custom regalia to wear at Commencement in May, you must preorder your custom gown on the custom regalia website. Orders must be submitted by April 1. Those who are shipping internationally should place orders by March 15.
If you are renting your regalia, the deadline to do so is April 10.
April 1
Deadline to complete the HBS Commencement Survey.
TBD
Tickets are available to order for GSAS Commencement Events during this window.
Business Economics and Organizational Behavior graduates (Sociology) may opt to walk at Sanders Theater. Please note that Sanders Theater tickets are limited to TWO and must be ordered online through the GSAS Commencement website (Harvard ID & Lanyard serves as degree candidates ticket). In addition, the HBS Doctoral luncheon may also conflict with the graduation time at Sanders.
Degree candidates must pick up their tickets in person, with photo identification, during the week of Commencement. Pick up dates and times are listed here. Tickets cannot be mailed or picked up by anyone other than the degree candidate.
No tickets are needed for the HBS Diploma Awards ceremony.
April 12
Deadline to schedule an appointment with ithelp@hbs.edu to decommission your laptop if you will be purchasing it. Click Computer Purchase Program for Doctoral Students for more information. In order to determine the specific price of your machine please submit a ticket to ithelp@hbs.edu and copy Finley ffoster@hbs.edu.
April 30
Deadline to request guest wheelchair and accessible seating for HBS Diploma Ceremony.
No tickets are needed for the HBS Diploma Awards ceremony.
May 13
Deadline to upload Dissertation Acceptance Certificate (DAC) and Dissertation to the HU ProQuest ETD site. Dissertation formatting guidelines are available here and publishing guidance can be found here. Please be sure to also send a copy of your completed dissertation to the Doctoral Programs Office.
May 27
Deadline to move out of HBS Office. Please contact Finley Foster with any questions.
May 27
Class Day Ceremony Baker Lawn (rain or shine)
Remarks by Class of 2026 Co-Presidents, followed by student Class Day speaker, faculty awards presentation, and Class Day Distinguished speaker. Open to graduates, their guests, and HBS faculty and staff (no tickets required).
May 27
Deadline to return your laptop to the Doctoral Office (if you're not purchasing.)
May 28
COMMENCEMENT
June 25
Complete the HBS Research Computing Services Graduating Checklist. Access will end on June 30.
Please note: HUIDs will no longer be active after this date.
June 1-29
Recommended dates for notifying contacts about upcoming email and mail address changes.
June 30
The HBS Alumni Office will issue you a new, program specific email address (e.g. FirstLast@phd2026.hbs.edu). You will still be able to access prior email on this new account. IT will migrate your data. After May 28, you will be able to receive mail from both your @hbs.edu and @phd2026.hbs.edu accounts. Your @hbs.edu email will close on August 1, 2026.
July 31
Harvard University student health insurance coverage ends.