Commencement Day Overview

May, 2026 28

• 6:45 AM

  Opening of the Gates to Harvard Yard

  Gates to Harvard Yard open for Morning Commencement Exercises (tickets required). Limited seating; early arrival recommended. Each graduating student receives two tickets to give to two guests. Tickets must be ordered through the GSAS Commencement Website.
• 6:55 AM

  Graduate Procession to Harvard Yard - Meet at front of Chao Center

  Degree candidates assemble in front of the Chao Center for the procession to Harvard Yard for the Morning Commencement Exercise. Academic regalia is required. Graduating students only need their Harvard ID to enter Harvard Yard.
• 8:00 AM

  Harvard University Commencement Exercises

  Harvard Yard (rain or shine)
  Each graduating student receives two tickets to give to two guests. Graduating students only need their Harvard ID to enter Harvard Yard.
  
  Gallatin Lounge
  Doctoral students and their guests can watch a catered live-stream of Harvard University Commencement in Gallatin Lounge.

  Location

  Harvard Yard (rain or shine)
• 12:30 PM

  GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony in Sanders Theatre

  Students participating at Sanders Theatre will transition from Harvard Yard to Sanders Theatre.
  
  Business Economics and Organizational Behavior graduates (Sociology) may opt to walk at Sanders Theatre. Please note tickets are limited to two and must be ordered through the GSAS Commencement Website. This ceremony will overlap with some of the HBS Doctoral Programs Luncheon.
• 1:30 PM

  HBS Diploma Ceremony

  No tickets are required for the HBS Diploma Ceremony.
• 2:15 PM to —

  4:00 PM

  HBS Doctoral Programs Commencement Luncheon

  Location

  Williams Room, Spangler Center