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 Guest Ticket Information
The registration and ticket ordering site opened on Monday, March 17.
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 Monday, March 31, 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 & Lanyard Pick-Up Information
If you registered to attend the Commencement ceremony, you may access your guest tickets for the Harvard Extension School Commencement Ceremony as follows:
University-wide Morning Exercises: Graduates will receive two (2) paper tickets for guests at ticket pick-up. Ticket pick-up will begin the week of Commencement.
HES Commencement Ceremony: Graduates will receive two (2) digital tickets for guests to download or print via the Tassel registration portal. Sign in using your official Student Email Address on file with HES.
- All graduates need to pick up their guest tickets for the Morning Exercises and their Commencement Lanyard in person. Graduates need their lanyard to participate in Commencement ceremonies.
- Commencement tickets for the University-wide Morning Exercises will not be mailed.
- Tickets for the Morning Exercises may be picked up by ONLY the graduate. Tickets may not be picked up by a proxy (friends, family, fellow graduates, etc.).
- You will need your Harvard University ID (HUID) or a valid government-issued photo ID to pick up your tickets.
Ticket FAQs
Do I need a ticket for the events?
Graduates do not need tickets. Official Harvard Regalia and the Commencement 2025 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.
Where can I learn more about the entry process for the Morning Exercises?
More information about the Gates and Bags Policy 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.
