# HDS Commencement FAQ ## expand\_more Find answers to common questions for graduating students and guests attending Harvard Divinity School Commencement activities. ## For Graduating Students ### What do I need to bring on Commencement Day? expand\_more 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. ### When should I arrive and where do I go? expand\_more 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. ### Do I need a ticket? expand\_more No ticket is required for graduates. Your HUID and Commencement lanyard serve as your entry into Harvard Yard. ### How many tickets do I receive for guests? expand\_more Each graduate receives **two tickets** for guests to attend the University-wide Morning Exercises in Harvard Yard. ### When and where do I pick up tickets? expand\_more Tickets are distributed by the HDS Office of Student Life on designated dates in May after all graduation requirements are completed. ### Do I need tickets for HDS events? expand\_more 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. ### How do I order luncheon tickets? expand\_more 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. ### When and where do I pick up my regalia? expand\_more 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. ### What should I wear? expand\_more - 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. ### Can I bring a bag? expand\_more 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. ### What if my guests need accessibility accommodations? expand\_more Students should request accommodations in advance through the HDS Office of Student Life. Accessible seating is limited and requires tickets. ## For Guests ### Do I need a ticket to attend Commencement? expand\_more 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. ### When should I arrive for the Harvard Morning Exercises? expand\_more Gates to Harvard Yard open early (around 6:45 am), and guests are encouraged to arrive early due to crowds. ### Is there an alternative to sitting in Harvard Yard? expand\_more 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 ### How do I get to campus? expand\_more - 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. ### Are there restrictions on what I can bring? expand\_more 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. ### What if I need accessible seating? expand\_more For questions or requests regarding available services related to Morning Exercises in the Yard, graduating students should [review the information here](https://commencement.harvard.edu/guests-disabilities) and/or contact University Disability Services by email at . Seating in the accessible section is by ticket only. **Because seating is limited, it is recommended that you** [**email HDS Office of Student Life**](mailto:kcaponera@hds.harvard.edu) **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 ](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9mKIDBI2lDlX9aK)so that Kelly Tyman can assist in coordinating support. ### How do I stay informed? expand\_more **MessageMe Service** Sign up to receive emergency text alerts. Should an event occur on our near any of the Harvard campuses, Harvard University Police will send an alert advising you of the situation and instructions on what to do. Visit [messageme.harvard.edu](https://messageme.harvard.edu/) to learn more. ### Can I watch online if I can't be there in person? expand\_more Yes. The Multireligious Commencement Service on May 27 will be livestreamed on the [HDS YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@HarvardDivinity) 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). ## Harvard Commencement Information [### Important Guest Information ](https://commencement.harvard.edu/important-guest-information) [### Information for Graduates ](https://commencement.harvard.edu/graduates) [### Plan Your Visit ](https://commencement.harvard.edu/plan-your-visit)