All graduates are required to register in advance to participate in the University-wide Morning Exercises and the HES Commencement Ceremony and receive guest tickets to both ceremonies. Tickets are required for guests attending the University Morning Exercises and HES Commencement Ceremony. Graduates receive two (2) guest tickets to each ceremony.
Due to the number of graduates this year, and the limited capacity of our venues, extra tickets are not available. Children two (2) years old and under that can sit on the lap of an adult for the duration of the ceremonies do not require tickets.
Additional details regarding registration and ticket pick-up are forthcoming and will be shared via email and posted here.
Registration and Ticket Ordering
The registration and ticket ordering site will open on Monday, March 16!
The link to order tickets will be sent via email to your official email address on file in MyDCE a few days before the ordering window opens.
The deadline to register and request guest tickets will be Sunday, March 29, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Please note: Commencement tickets will not be mailed and will be available for pick-up in person by the graduate the week of Commencement (exact times and locations to be determined).
Ticket FAQs
Do I need a ticket for the events?
Graduates do not need tickets. Official Harvard Regalia and the Commencement 2026 lanyard act as your “ticket” for both Harvard University’s Morning Exercises and the Harvard Extension School Commencement Ceremony.
Your guests will need tickets to access the Morning Exercises and the HES Commencement Ceremony.
How many tickets will I receive?
All graduating students will receive two (2) tickets to the Morning Exercises and two (2) tickets to the HES Commencement Ceremony.
Can I get more tickets to the Morning Exercises?
No, all graduates only receive two tickets for the morning, university-wide commencement.
Can I get extra tickets to the HES Commencement Ceremony?
Extra tickets are unfortunately not available due to extremely high demand and limited seating.
Do the tickets to the Morning Exercises and the HES Commencement Ceremony need to be used by the same guests?
Both sets of tickets — for the Morning Exercises and for the Extension School ceremony — do not have to go to the same people.
A fellow classmate is also graduating this year, but they won’t be attending Commencement. Can I have their guest tickets?
Tickets are neither automatically guaranteed nor handed out to every graduating student. To receive tickets, you must be actively registered for Commencement. Our staff will not permit you to send a proxy to pick up your paper tickets for the University Morning Exercises or facilitate the “transferring” of your digital tickets for the HES Commencement Ceremony between you and someone else.
Where can I learn more about the entry process for the Morning Exercises?
More information about Seating and Entry into Harvard Yard can be found on the Harvard Commencement website.
Are there any restrictions on bags that can be brought into Tercentenary Theatre?
More information about the Gates and Bags Policy can be found on the Harvard Commencement website.
Do young children need tickets?
Yes (over 2 years old). Tickets are required for all guests attending the Harvard University Morning Exercises and the HES Commencement Ceremony.
Please be aware of the following:
- Only graduates are permitted in the graduate seating area.
- Strollers are not allowed in Tercentenary Theatre for the Morning Exercises and must be kept in designated areas.
