Campus & Community

A special notice regarding Commencement Day

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A guide to Commencement 2016

Morning Exercises
To accommodate the increasing number of people wishing to attend Harvard’s Commencement Exercises, the following guidelines are provided to facilitate admission into Tercentenary Theatre on Commencement Morning:

  • Degree candidates will receive a limited number of tickets to Commencement. Their parents and guests must have tickets, which must be shown at the gates in order to enter Tercentenary Theatre. Seating capacity is limited; there is standing room on the Widener steps and at the rear and sides of the Theatre. For details, visit the Commencement office website.

Note: A ticket allows admission, but does not guarantee a seat. Seats are on a first-come basis and cannot be reserved. The sale of Commencement tickets is prohibited.

  • A very limited supply of tickets is available to alumni and alumnae on a first-come, first-served basis through the Harvard Alumni Association. Alumni/ae and guests may view the Morning Exercises over large-screen televisions in the Science Center and at most of the undergraduate Houses and graduate and professional schools. These locations provide ample seating, and tickets are notrequired.
  • College Alumni/ae attending their 25th, 35th, and 50th reunions will receive tickets at their reunions.

Afternoon Program
The Harvard Alumni Association’s annual meeting, which includes remarks by its president, Overseer and HAA election results, the presentation of the Harvard Medals, and remarks by President Drew Gilpin Faust and the Commencement Speaker, convenes in Tercentenary Theatre on Commencement afternoon. For tickets (which are required, but free) visit the HAA website or call 617.496.7001.