View graduation checklists, information surrounding regalia and tickets, day-of schedules, and more.
This page will be updated as information becomes available, so visit early and often to keep yourself apprised of all things Commencement!
Graduating Student Checklists
There are a number of steps to complete prior to and after Commencement. Keep yourself on track with these program-specific checklists.
Commencement 101
What to expect on Class Day and Commencement Day.
What is Class Day?
Class Day is a celebration of the achievements of the graduating class! The day prior to Commencement, we celebrate with speeches–including a keynote from the HLS Class Day Speaker–and the presentation of awards in a ceremony that typically begins mid-afternoon.
Following the ceremony, the celebration continues with a casual reception for degree candidates and their guests. Tickets are not required for Class Day events.
Class Day Schedule
Commencement Day is comprised of the following events:
The ceremonial University Morning Exercises, where the Harvard President and the University Commencement Speaker deliver their addresses, and the President confers degrees.
The Law School Diploma Ceremony where the Law School Dean presents diplomas to each graduate.
Commencement Day Schedule
Need-to-know: The HLS Diploma Ceremony
- Degree candidates will be called by program and then by section.
- Following the Morning Exercises, SJDs, LLMs, JD/MBAs, and HKS Joint Degree students should proceed to Hauser Hall immediately for lineup.
- Sections will be called to Hauser for lineup throughout the Diploma Ceremony. Please listen carefully!
- In Hauser, you will be given a pronunciation card with the phonetic spelling of your name, which you’ll hand to the announcer prior to crossing the stage. Commencement staff will have extra copies and blank cards on hand.
- After exiting the stage, you will receive your diploma and gather with your section-mates on the steps of Langdell Hall for a section photo.
- Graduates and guests with pre-purchased lunch tickets may pick up lunch in the Lunch Tent throughout the ceremony.
What to wear
Business casual attire is common dress for the Class Day and Commencement ceremonies and you are advised to wear shoes appropriate for walking on grassy areas.
All ceremonies are held outdoors, except in the event of severe weather.
As in past years, graduates are welcome to express themselves with clothing decorations such as stoles, pins, or decorated mortar boards, or other cloth items that can be worn or draped on their person. For safety reasons, and to ensure their hands are free to accept the diploma cover and to be congratulated by the dean, for the Law School ceremony, graduates may not carry onto or across the stage any item, thing, or object. However, graduates with young children may carry or be accompanied by them across the stage.
Have International Guests?
For J.D. students with international guests, the Registrar’s Office can provide an invitation letter to support visa applications. You may request a Commencement invitation by completing a Document Request Form.
LL.M. and S.J.D. students will receive support letters via the Graduate Program office.
We encourage your guests to submit visa applications as soon as possible.
Tickets, Regalia, & Lunch
Heads up: all must be ordered in advance!
Entry Tickets
- Tickets are required for the University Morning Exercises held in Harvard Yard on Commencement Day
- Each Degree Candidate receives two guest tickets to Morning Exercises (your ticket is your Harvard ID)
- Please note: Morning Exercise tickets are generated by the University and cannot be replaced if they are lost
- Tickets are not required for any ceremonies or events on the HLS campus
Your Morning Exercise tickets can be reserved through the HLS Exit and Commencement Survey, typically distributed in late April.
Lunch Tickets
All tickets will be available for pick-up by graduates starting in mid-May.
Regalia
All students participating in May Commencement Ceremonies are required to wear the official Harvard regalia, as approved by The Harvard University Commencement Office and distributed by The Harvard Coop.
Students who did not order regalia by the April 7 deadline, must visit the HLS Coop ASAP to place a late order. Please note that a late fee will apply, and sizing is not guaranteed for late orders.
Regalia pick-up will be held in WCC 1023 on May 16, 17, 20, 21, and 22 from 10am-4pm. Pickup is also available on May 18 from 11am-4pm.
Regalia must be returned to the HLS Coop in WCC 1023. Returns will be accepted on May 23 until 4:45pm, May 24 from 10am-4pm, May 25 from 11am-4pm, or May 28-30 from 11am-4pm.
Note: Regalia is not required for Class Day
Affinity Celebrations
All graduating students are invited to participate in University-wide Affinity Celebrations Honoring Graduating Students!
Hosted by community partners and alumni, these student led gatherings celebrate the diverse cultures, communities, and identities present at Harvard. These events center the cultural and community traditions and values of graduates and provide opportunities to honor those who helped them reach this milestone. These celebrations offer keynote speakers, performances, regalia accessories, and cultural celebrations.
Affinity celebrations are open to all Harvard graduates who pre-register to attend. Those interested in participating in one or more of the affinity celebrations or ordering a regalia accessory, should complete this registration form by Friday, April 26, 2024.
Please note: The affinity celebrations are optional and take place prior to Harvard University and School-based commencements. Affinity celebrations do not serve as graduation or convocation ceremonies.
