Commencement for GSAS students consists of five major ticketed activities: the Dean's Reception, the procession into Tercentenary Theatre, the University-wide Commencement Exercises, the GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony, and the GSAS Luncheon. If you are graduating this May and plan to attend any or all of the events above, you must register to participate and order your guest tickets online. Ticket ordering was available from April 3 through April 28.
Please note that submitting your degree application in my.harvard is not the same process as registering for Commencement tickets. Signing up for the events and ordering your guest tickets is an additional step you must take to attend Commencement.
Ticket allocations are outlined below for each major activity. For reasons of capacity and safety, some events have strict limits on guest tickets. Please be sure to review this information before you begin registration and ticket ordering.
Note: As a degree candidate, your regalia and Commencement lanyard (provided at ticket pick-up) may serve as your "ticket" to some events. All guests of graduates will have physical tickets.
| Event | Ticket Allocation |
|---|---|
| GSAS Dean’s Reception | degree candidate + two guest ticket maximum |
| GSAS procession to Tercentenary Theatre | degree candidates only, no guests Harvard ID and/or Commencement lanyard serves as degree candidate's ticket |
| Commencement Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre | degree candidate + two guest ticket maximum Harvard ID and/or Commencement lanyard serves as degree candidate's ticket |
GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony in Sanders Theatre PhD and terminal master's candidates only* | degree candidate + two guest ticket maximum Harvard ID and/or Commencement lanyard serves as degree candidate's ticket |
| GSAS Champagne Reception and Luncheon | one complimentary ticket for degree candidate + $20 for each additional ticket |
*Master's in passing candidates are encouraged to participate in the University-wide Commencement Exercises and GSAS Reception and Luncheon. Master's in passing candidates are not eligible to participate in the GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony as it is not a terminal degree.
AB/AM and AB/SM degree candidates will participate with Harvard College and their undergraduate houses in receipt of the AB degree, which is conferred last during the Commencement Exercises. AB/AM and AB/SM candidates are not eligible to attend GSAS Commencement activities or receive guest tickets through GSAS.
Ticket Pick-Up
Degree candidates must pick up their tickets in person, with Harvard ID or photo identification, during the week of Commencement. Dates and times are posted below. Tickets cannot be mailed or picked up by anyone other than the degree candidate. No exceptions.
- Friday, May 19, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, GSAS Student Center (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
- Monday, May 22, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, GSAS Student Center (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
- Tuesday, May 23, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, GSAS Student Center (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
- Wednesday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, GSAS Student Center (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
- Thursday, May 25, 7:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., GSAS Information Tent, Maxwell Dworkin, 33 Oxford Street
