
View graduation checklists, information surrounding regalia and tickets, day-of schedules, and more.
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, and 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.
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.
Regalia ordering is closed.
Students who did not order regalia by the April 10 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 May 27 and 28 from 10am–4pm. Additional dates are TBA.
Regalia must be returned to the HLS Coop in WCC 1023. Returns will be accepted on May 29 from 2-5pm, May 30 from 10am-4pm, May 31 from 11:15am-4pm, and June 2-5 from 11:15am-4pm.
Graduates interested in purchasing regalia, rather than renting, may take advantage of Herff Jones’ sale. Through March 31, Herff Jones is offering a 10% discount with the promo code Harvardspring10.
Note: Regalia is not required for Class Day
Severe Weather
University Orations Competition
An information session will be held by the University Commencement Office on Monday, 3/3 from 3-4pm. More information is available by following the link below.