HDS Commencement FAQ
Find answers to common questions for graduating students and guests attending Harvard Divinity School Commencement activities.
For Graduating Students
You must bring your Harvard ID (HUID), which is required for entry into Harvard Yard. You will receive a Commencement lanyard to wear your ID.
Academic regalia is required.
HDS graduates should come to the HDS Commons Terrace no later than 7 am on Commencement morning. The procession will depart from HDS at 8 am for Harvard Yard.
No ticket is required for graduates. Your HUID and Commencement lanyard serve as your entry into Harvard Yard.
Each graduate receives two tickets for guests to attend the University-wide Morning Exercises in Harvard Yard.
Tickets are distributed by the HDS Office of Student Life on designated dates in May after all graduation requirements are completed.
No tickets are required for most HDS events, including:
- Multireligious Service
- Reception
- Diploma Awarding Ceremony
Tickets are only required for the Commencement Luncheon and the University-wide Morning Exercises.
Each graduate receives lunch for themselves and up to four guests. You must pre-order meals in advance (check your email for the specific link); no additional meals will be available on Commencement Day.
Regalia can be picked up at the Harvard Square COOP (Brattle Street location) on May 21–22. Limited extras may be available if you missed the order deadline.
- Wear comfortable shoes (you will walk across campus and uneven surfaces).
- Dress for the weather—academic regalia can be warm.
- You may decorate your mortarboard or wear personal items, but large signs or banners are not permitted.
Large bags are not permitted in Harvard Yard. Small bags (no larger than 12” x 12” x 12”) are allowed, but students are encouraged to leave belongings with guests.
Students should request accommodations in advance through the HDS Office of Student Life. Accessible seating is limited and requires tickets.
For Guests
Tickets are not required for most HDS events (Diploma Awarding Ceremony, Multireligious Commencement Service, and Reception).
Tickets are required for the Harvard University-wide Morning Exercises in Harvard Yard.
Gates to Harvard Yard open early (around 6:45 am), and guests are encouraged to arrive early due to crowds.
Yes. Guests are strongly encouraged to watch the Morning Exercises via livestream in the Cader Room in HDS's Swartz Hall, which offers:
- Climate-controlled seating
- Nearby restrooms
- No early arrival required
- Public transportation is strongly recommended.
- Parking in Cambridge is extremely limited.
- If driving, parking is available at the Soldiers Field Park Garage (Harvard Business School) with shuttle service.
To maintain the safety and security of all attendees, all persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection before entering Harvard Yard.
- No backpacks of any type will be admitted.
- No bag or item larger than 12"x12"x12" will be permitted inside the Yard.
- While we welcome families with young children, please note that strollers are permitted only within the confines of the Old Yard and are not allowed in Tercentenary Theatre.
For questions or requests regarding available services related to Morning Exercises in the Yard, graduating students should review the information here and/or contact University Disability Services by email at disabilityservices@harvard.edu. Seating in the accessible section is by ticket only. Because seating is limited, it is recommended that you email HDS Office of Student Life as soon as you know that any guests will need these services.
For arrangements or needs for access to Commencement activities coordinated by Harvard Divinity School, such as the Multireligious Commencement Service, the Diploma Awarding Ceremony, or the Commencement Luncheon, graduating students should complete this form so that Kelly Tyman can assist in coordinating support.
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Yes. The Multireligious Commencement Service on May 27 will be livestreamed on the HDS YouTube channel beginning at 3:30 pm (EDT). The Diploma Awarding Ceremony on May 28 will also be livestreamed from the HDS YouTube channel beginning at 1 pm (EDT).