Important Guest Information
Information for guests on accessing Harvard Yard on Commencement Day.
Ticket Information
In-Person Ceremony (Tickets required)
- Each graduate is responsible for claiming commencement tickets for their guests.
- Tickets are required to enter Harvard Yard on Commencement morning.
- The sale of Commencement tickets is strictly prohibited.
Broadcasts (Available to all)
- Virtual livestream: The full program is livestreamed and can be viewed on the Harvard University website so that all who wish to participate can experience the joy of Commencement.
- Television: The Commencement Morning Exercises are televised live from 8:30 AM - Noon on Comcast Cable (channel 190) in metro Boston.
- Radio: The complete program will be carried live on Harvard's radio station, WHRB (95.3 FM, streamed at www.whrb.org) beginning with coverage of the academic procession beginning a little before 9 am.
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 to learn more.
Yard Policies
Yard Entry
The gates to Harvard Yard will open at 6:45 AM. We ask that guests are seated by 8:30 AM.
Guests may enter Harvard Yard through any gate marked with a "G".
Security
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.
Navigating the Yard
Maps are provided for your convenience as you navigate campus on Commencement Day.
Seating
Please note that while a ticket grants you access into Harvard Yard, it does not guarantee you a specific seat.
Seating is available on a first-come basis and cannot be reserved.
General Admission Seating
General Admission Seats in Tercentenary Theatre – the main event location for the Morning Exercises – are often claimed early, shortly after Gates open at approximately 6:45 AM. We encourage all guests desiring a seat in the Theatre to arrive early. Visit here for a seating map of Harvard Yard.
Overflow Seating
Abundant overflow seating is available:
- Within Harvard Yard: Near Lamont Library or Weld Hall
- Just outside the Yard: Smith Campus Center and Science Center, Halls A - D.
Also, most undergraduate Houses and graduate Schools livestream the event.
Broadcasts
We are committed to providing a memorable experience for all attendees, regardless of seating location, and offer multiple broadcasts of the festivities. Visit harvard.edu for the livestream or channel 190 on Comcast cable within the metro Boston area.
Services in the Yard
We are honored to host you as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class. Multiple services will be available in the Yard to ensure your comfort and convenience on Commencement Day.
Amenities
Restroom Facilities
For your convenience, public restroom facilities are located throughout Harvard Yard.
Water Stations
Water stations are located along the perimeter of Tercentenary Theatre and will be clearly marked.
Lost and Found
Should you misplace any personal belongings, our Lost and Found is located at the Information Gazebo in the Old Yard adjacent to Grays Hall.
First Aid
On Commencement Day, first-aid stations will be readily available in the following locations:
- Sever Hall
- Thayer Hall
- Weld Hall
Commemorative Offerings
To mark this special occasion, Harvard Student Agencies will be offering a selection of merchandise for purchase in front of Boylston Hall. Additionally, coffee will be for sale for your convenience once you enter the yard.