Schedule
Harvard’s commencement traditions are storied yet differ from those of many institutions, particularly in how and when graduates cross the stage.
The College and each graduate/professional School hold unique events within their communities, such as convocation, class days, and diploma ceremonies. During these diploma ceremonies, held after the main commencement program, graduates walk across the stage to receive their degrees. For more information, please refer to our schedule of key events.
Tuesday, May 26th
| Time | Details and Location |
|---|---|
11:00 AM | College's Phi Beta Kappa Literary Exercises, Memorial Hall |
1:15 PM | College Baccalaureate Procession, Harvard Yard, Old Yard |
2:00 PM | College Baccalaureate Service, Harvard Yard, Tercentenary Theatre |
3:30 PM | College Class of 2026 Photo, Tercentenary Theatre |
4:00 PM | College Class of 2026 Dessert Reception (tentative), Harvard Yard, Old Yard |
8:00 PM | Harvard University Band and Choruses Concert, Tercentenary Theatre |
Wednesday, May 27th
| Time | Details and Location |
|---|---|
11:00 AM | ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, Memorial Hall |
2:00 PM | College Class Day Exercises with featured Class Day Speaker, Tercentenary Theatre |
4:00 PM | Dudley Community Reception, 53 Dunster Street |
4:30 or 5:00 PM | Faculty Deans’ Receptions, Undergraduate Houses |
5:00 PM | Senior Letterwinners' Dinner, Bright-Landry Hockey Center |
Thursday, May 28th
| Time | Details and Location |
|---|---|
~6:45 AM | Harvard Yard Gates open |
7:45 AM | Procession of Advanced Degree Candidates begins, Harvard Yard, various locations |
8:00 AM | Senior Valediction (for seniors only), Philips Brooks House Association courtyard |
8:15 AM | College Senior Valediction concludes, formation of Seniors begins, Old Yard |
8:55 AM | All guests should be seated |
9:20 AM | The procession concludes at the stage of Tercentenary Theatre |
~9:30 AM | Commencement Exercises called to order 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 delivers the Commencement Address. The meeting is adjourned following the benediction. The University Band and University Choir perform throughout the Exercises. |
12:15 PM | The Commencement Exercises adjourn |
12:30 PM | Luncheons and diploma-awarding ceremonies at the undergraduate Houses and at the graduate/professional Schools; additional luncheons held at various locations |
Harvard College Seniors
For Harvard College Class of 2026 seniors, we encourage you to visit the following college-specific page for additional event details.
Graduate & Professional Degree Candidates
Each School hosts their own local commencement-week events.
Radcliffe Day
Friday, May 29, 2026
10 AM
Each year, the Institute awards the Radcliffe Medal to an individual who embodies our commitment to excellence, inclusion, and social impact. First awarded to Lena Horne in 1987. For more details, visit the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Website.
Harvard Alumni Day
Friday, June 5, 2026
Time 11:45 AM (time not yet confirmed)
All alumni/ae are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association. Details regarding that program are on the Harvard Alumni Day website.
Future Harvard Commencements
Thursday, 5/27/2027
Thursday, 5/25/2028
Thursday, 5/24/2029
Thursday, 5/30/2030*
*Occurs during the same week of Memorial Day
