Eligibility
Q: I am receiving a master's en route to my PhD (also referred to as continuing master's or master's in passing). Can I participate in Commencement?
A: As a continuing master’s candidate, you are welcome to attend the Dean's Reception, Commencement Morning Exercises, and Champagne Reception and Luncheon. You are not eligible to participate in the Harvard Griffin GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremonies in Sanders Theatre, which is reserved for terminal master's and PhD candidates only.
Q: I am eligible to participate in Commencement this year, but I will not be able to attend. Can I postpone my participation and walk next year? / I am scheduled to defend after May, but I want to participate in this year's ceremony. Can I still walk?
A: If you do not receive your degree in the November 2025, February 2026, or May 2026 degree periods, you are not eligible to participate in this year's Commencement and would be considered an exception. There is a special process required for your request, and participation is not guaranteed. Please contact the Office of Student Success to receive the application.
Q: I am an AB/SM or AB/AM candidate. How do I participate in Commencement?
You will participate with Harvard College and your undergraduate house in receipt of the AB degree, which is conferred last during the Commencement Morning Exercises. AB/AM and AB/SM candidates are not eligible to attend Harvard Griffin GSAS Commencement activities or receive guest tickets through Harvard Griffin GSAS.
Tickets and Guests
Q: Are Commencement tickets free?
A: All Commencement tickets are free except for the guest tickets for the Harvard Griffin GSAS Champagne Reception and Luncheon. Those tickets are available at $25 per guest and can be purchased during registration. A limited supply of luncheon tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket table and the Harvard Griffin GSAS information tent at Maxwell Dworkin on Commencement Day.
Q: Does my child need a ticket? Can my child/children attend the Harvard Griffin GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony? Do they need a ticket? Can my child/children cross the stage with me?
A: Each participating graduate can request up to two guest tickets for the Diploma Awarding Ceremonies in Sanders Theatre. Children age two and under who do not require a seat do not need a ticket and must sit on a guest’s lap. Children may not sit with graduates and may not cross the stage.
For the University-wide Commencement Morning Exercises, children age two and under who do not require a seat do not need a ticket.
Q: I was hoping to bring different guests to events throughout the day. Do I have to bring the same guests to all events?
A: No. You may bring different guests to different events. If you would like to celebrate with more than two guests, this can be a meaningful way to allow all your loved ones to participate in some portion of the day. The distribution of guest tickets is at your discretion.
Q: Is there a waitlist for extra guest tickets?
A: Due to the increasing number of participating graduates and venue capacity restrictions, we are unable to accommodate requests for additional tickets or maintain a waitlist. Guests without tickets are welcome to view the livestream in Maxwell Dworkin, 33 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: My friend is also graduating this year, but they won't be attending Commencement. Can I have their guest tickets?
A: Tickets are not automatically handed out to every graduating student. To receive tickets, you must register for Commencement and pick up your tickets in person. Our staff will not permit you to send a proxy to pick up your tickets or facilitate the "transferring" of tickets between you and someone else.
Q: I have registered for Commencement, but I will be out of town until the night before graduation. Can I have them mailed to me or pick them up outside the scheduled ticket table window?
A: Tickets cannot be mailed—no exceptions. You may pick up your tickets from the Harvard Griffin GSAS information tent in front of Maxwell Dworkin (33 Oxford Street) beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Commencement Day.
Q: I purchased guest luncheon tickets during registration, but it turns out I don't need all of them. Can I cancel some and get a refund?
A: Yes. If you need to cancel one or more guest luncheon tickets, you can do so at any point before you pick up your tickets, or at the ticket table, and we will issue a refund to the payment method you provided at registration. Contact gsaa@fas.harvard.edu with your request.
Q: I did not purchase any/enough guest luncheon tickets during registration. Can I get more tickets?
A: Yes. You can purchase more luncheon tickets by contacting gsaa@fas.harvard.edu to have more tickets added to your registration. A limited supply of tickets will also be available for purchase at the ticket table and on Commencement Day at the Harvard Griffin GSAS information tent at Maxwell Dworkin (33 Oxford St). Credit card payments only.
Miscellaneous
Q: I am not going to be able to make it to Commencement. How will I get my diploma?
A: You can arrange to pick up your diploma at the Registrar’s Office.
