Commencement

Find information about Commencement, including tips for students and their guests, the schedule, ordering tickets and regalia, and more.

Commencement is the culmination of all your efforts to earn a graduate degree, and it will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Commencement week provides multiple opportunities for celebration, including a Dean’s Reception, the University-wide Morning Exercises, the Diploma Awarding Ceremonies, and the Champagne Reception and Luncheon.

Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout Commencement activities. Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may use your name, likeness, voice, image, language (as a quotation), and other identifying features and information in connection with its use, including display to the public through the internet or other means.

Are you registered for Commencement activities this May 2025? Here’s what you need to know:

Ticket Distribution

The tickets you pre-ordered through registration will be available for pickup between May 22 and May 28, as well as on Commencement Day, Thursday, May 29. If you did not register and order tickets online, you will not have a ticket packet to pick up. All tickets must be picked up in person by the graduate; no exceptions.

Ticket Distribution Schedule

Date & Time	Location
Thursday, May 22, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.	Tosteson Medical Education Center (TMEC), Room 447, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA
Friday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Graduate Student Lounge, Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
Tuesday, May 27, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m	Graduate Student Lounge, Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
Wednesday, May 28, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Graduate Student Lounge, Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
Thursday, May 29, 6:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.	Harvard Griffin GSAS Information Tent, Maxwell Dworkin, 33 Oxford Street

Need more Luncheon tickets? No problem! You can purchase additional guest luncheon tickets during ticket distribution or at the Info Tent on Commencement Day.

Secure Academic Regalia

Academic regalia is required for Commencement activities. Please see the Academic Regalia section for details on how to pick up and return (if rented) your regalia.