HES Commencement Week Schedule of Events
Event times and locations are subject to change. All events are held rain or shine.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Class Photo
9:15 a.m. ET
Widener Library, Harvard Yard (rain or shine)
1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA 02138
Graduating students meet on the steps of Widener Library in Harvard Yard for a class photo.
HES Program Receptions (rain or shine)
Time TBA
Various Locations (TBA) (rain or shine)
The Program Receptions are an opportunity for graduating students to celebrate with classmates, friends, family, and administration in a more intimate setting. Remarks will feature Program Directors and special guests, and a toast to the Class of 2025. This is a ticketed event. Graduating students receive two (2) guest tickets for the HES Program Receptions.
Dean’s Leadership Luncheon
Time TBA
The Dean’s Luncheon honors HES 2025 Commencement speakers, Commencement Prize winners, and graduating Harvard Extension School student leaders for their commitment to enriching the HES community. This event is by invitation only.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 | Commencement Day
Graduating students must wear full official academic regalia at all Commencement Day celebrations. Graduates receive two (2) guest tickets to the Morning Exercises and two (2) guest tickets to the HES Commencement Ceremony. Please note, we are unable to provide extra tickets.
Viewing of the University Morning Exercises will also be available via live web streaming on the Harvard website.
Harvard University Morning Exercises Assembly
Time TBA
Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard (rain or shine)
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Graduates must arrive and be checked in by 7:15 a.m. ET.
A continental breakfast is provided to graduates before the procession to Harvard Yard for the Morning Exercise. Academic regalia is required. Graduates will also need their commencement lanyard to enter Harvard Yard.
This is also an opportunity for graduates to pick up their tickets and commencement lanyard if not done so earlier in the week.
Opening of the Gates to Harvard Yard
Time TBA
Harvard Yard
2 Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA 02138
For Guests: Gates to Harvard Yard open for Morning Exercises. There is limited seating; early arrival is recommended. This is a ticketed event. Each graduate is allowed two (2) guest tickets.
Graduate Procession & Seating into Tercentenary Theatre
Time TBA
Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Graduates begin line formation to process into Tercentenary Theatre for the University-Wide Morning Exercises.
Harvard University Morning Exercises
Time TBA
Tercentenary Theatre, Harvard Yard (rain or shine)
2 Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Viewing of the Morning Exercises will also be available via live web streaming on the Harvard website.
Morning Exercises is a University-wide event that is held rain or shine on the lawn in front of Widener Library. Graduating Harvard students sit with their schools to participate in the celebration.
The deans of each school introduce their graduates as a class and the university’s president confers degrees upon the class as a whole.
Please note: Graduates will not be awarded their diplomas here. Exercises include the traditional commencement speeches and orations. Harvard University honorary degrees are awarded. This event will include remarks from the principal Commencement speaker. This is a ticketed event. Graduating students receive two (2) guest tickets for Morning Exercises.
Lunch
Time TBA
Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard (rain or shine)
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Boxed lunches will be available for advance purchase for graduates and ticketed guests attending the HES Commencement Ceremony; however, they must be purchased in advance. Please check back as we update with more details on how to order.
For those who do not purchase lunch in advance, you are welcome to bring your own refreshments. Please be advised there are limited food options near the HES Commencement Ceremony site.
HES Commencement Ceremony
Time TBA
Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard (rain or shine)
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Viewing of the HES Commencement Ceremony will also be available via live web streaming.
Dean Nancy J. Coleman and other special guests will speak, and all graduates will be invited to the stage to be recognized by our school’s leadership. Please note, diplomas will be mailed following Commencement. This is a ticketed event. Graduating students receive two (2) guest tickets for the HES Commencement Ceremony.
