Harvard’s 361st Commencement
Important information for May 24 ceremonies
Gates
On Commencement morning the Harvard gates will open at 6:45 a.m. Parents and guests of degree candidates who have tickets to attend the Morning Exercises should plan their arrival accordingly. All guests will be required to show their tickets at the gates in order to enter Tercentenary Theatre. All guests should be seated by 8:30 a.m. for the start of the academic procession, which begins at 8:50 a.m.
Note: A ticket allows admission into Tercentenary Theatre, but does not guarantee a seat. Seats are on a first-come basis and cannot be reserved. The sale of Commencement tickets is prohibited.
Academic regalia
All degree candidates must wear academic regalia (caps and gowns) to the Commencement Morning Exercises. Regalia may be ordered through the Harvard Coop for distribution in May. Degree candidates will receive ordering instructions from their undergraduate House or graduate/professional School.
Afternoon Exercises
The annual meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) convenes in Tercentenary Theatre on Commencement afternoon. All alumni and alumnae, faculty, students, parents, and guests are invited to attend and hear Harvard’s president and featured Commencement speaker deliver their addresses.