# Commencement Events Schedule ## expand\_more Commencement Week celebrates our students locally at Harvard Divinity and across the University. Explore a listing of events open to Harvard Divinity School students or visit the full [Harvard Commencement webpage](https://commencement.harvard.edu/) for more information. NOTE: This is the tentative Schedule of Commencement Events. ## Wednesday, May 27, 2026 ### Multireligious Commencement Service for the Class of 2026 expand\_more ***3:30 pm, HDS Campus Green*** Family and friends are welcome to this special service for HDS graduating students. Tickets are not required. Seating is first come, first served. The Multireligious Commencement Service features is developed by members of the graduating class featuring readings, prayers, music, poetry, and more representing the religious and spiritual traditions of the class of 2026. ### Class of 2026 Photo expand\_more ***5 pm on the Swartz Hall stairs*** Following the Multireligious Commencement Service for the Class of 2026, a class photograph will be taken on the steps of the Swartz Hall. Information on how to purchase a copy of this photo will be sent to you by [GradImages](https://www.gradimages.com/registration/). You may also contact them at 800.424.3686. ### Commencement Reception expand\_more ***5-6:30 pm on the Swartz Lawn*** Following the class photo, refreshments will be served from 5 to 6:30pm under the tent on the Swartz Lawn located on Francis Ave directly in front of Swartz Hall for graduating students and their families and for HDS faculty and staff. All are welcome to attend; tickets are not required. ## Thursday, May 28, 2026 ### Dean's Breakfast for Graduating Students expand\_more ***7:00–8:00 am, Swartz Hall Patio*** HDS graduates should come to the tent on the HDS Campus Green no later than 7 am on Commencement morning. ### Harvard University Commencement Morning Exercises expand\_more ***9:45 am, Tercentenary Theatre, tickets required*** ***(Gates open at 6:45 am for families and guests)*** After the meeting is called to order, the student orators deliver speeches. The Provost and Deans introduce the candidates and the president will confer the degrees. The Commencement Speaker will deliver the Commencement Address. The meeting is adjourned following the benediction. The University Band and University Choir perform throughout the Exercises. Guests will need a ticket to enter the yard for the morning exercises at 9:45 am. **Graduates receive two tickets for the morning exercises**. The morning ceremony will also be available via webcast in the Cader Room. We strongly encourage families and guests to view the morning exercises in the Cader Room due to its comfort, space, and proximity to the Diploma Awarding Ceremony. Following the morning exercises those attending the HDS ceremony should proceed to the HDS Campus Green. More information on the main [Harvard Commencement site](https://commencement.harvard.edu/). ### HDS Diploma Awarding Ceremony expand\_more ***1 pm, HDS Campus Green, tickets NOT required*** Guests are welcome to be seated for the HDS Diploma Ceremony beginning at 12:30 pm. The Ceremony will take place in the tent on the HDS Campus Green. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, as seating is limited. We ask that guests move all the way into the rows to allow as many of our family and friends that are in attendance to have seating. Graduates should proceed directly to the HDS Campus following the morning exercises and should arrive no later than 12:15 pm. **Upon arrival on the Campus please proceed directly to the James Room, Swartz Hall 120/122.** ### HDS Commencement Luncheon expand\_more ***2–3:30 pm, Swartz Lawn*** The Commencement Luncheon is held from 2 to 3:30pm on Swartz Lawn, located on Francis Ave directly in front of Swartz Hall. Should you prefer to have lunch at a restaurant in Harvard Square or Cambridge, **please make your reservations as early as possible!** [Read more about restaurants in Harvard Square.](https://harvardsquare.com/places/category/restaurants/) ## Media Notice Please note that professional photos and videos will be taken throughout Commencement activities. Harvard Divinity School may use your name, likeness, voice, image, language (as a quotation), and other identifying features and information in connection with its use, including display to the public through the internet or other means.