Commencement

Commencement

GSAS Commencement 2013

Congratulations on receiving your degree!

We look forward to celebrating with you on May 30, 2013. These are the important deadlines:

Regalia orders (PhD candidates): April 26, 2013
Regalia orders (Master's candidates): April 10, 2013
Last day to submit application for the May 2013 Degree: March 29, 2013
Ticket orders: April 1-26, 2013
Ticket order pick-ups: May 24, 28-30, 2013

Here's what to do to prepare:

1. See What's on Schedule, and Where

Please click here to view a detailed GSAS Commencement schedule. And here is a map of Commencement locations.


2. Order Your Tickets

The deadline to order tickets has passed. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Please note: tickets are required for Commencement Day events. Degree candidates are allotted the following number of tickets:

  • GSAS Breakfast with the Deans: no ticket maximum
  • Morning Exercises: two ticket maximum (degree candidate does not need her/his own ticket)
  • GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony in Sanders Theatre (PhD and terminal Master's candidates only): two ticket maximum (degree candidate does not need her/his own ticket); four additional tickets to Science Center Simulcast
  • GSAS Luncheon: one complimentary for degree candidate, $15 per person for additional tickets
  • Afternoon Exercises: three ticket maximum (this includes the degree candidate)

For reasons of capacity and safety, there will be no exceptions to the two-ticket rule for the Morning Exercises and the GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony in Sanders Theatre.


3. Order Your Regalia

Academic regalia must be rented (or purchased) from the Harvard Coop. Order in store, by fax (617-499-2016), or by mail. Call 617-499-2070 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.

Please Note: Orders for regalia for Master's degree candidates must be placed from March 25 - April 10, and from March 25 - April 26 for PhD degree candidates. Download instructions and order forms.

 

4. Pick Up Your Tickets

Degree candidates must pick up their tickets in person, with a photo identification, at the following times and locations. Tickets cannot be mailed.

  • Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Holyoke Center Information Center on the Arcade Level, 1350 Massachusetts Ave.
  • Tuesday, May 28, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Holyoke Center Information Center on the Arcade Level, 1350 Massachusetts Ave.
  • Wednesday, May 29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Holyoke Center Information Center on the Arcade Level, 1350 Massachusetts Ave.
  • Thursday, May 30, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., GSAS Information Tent, Maxwell Dworkin, 33 Oxford Street


5. Get Festive, Get Nostalgic

Orations Competition
Each year three graduating students are selected to speak at the Morning Exercises, including one representative from the graduate or professional schools. Speeches must not exceed five minutes in length, and there is a $1,000 prize. Learn more here or visit the Commencement Office's website.

House Masters Reception at Dudley
Jim and Doreen Hogle invite you and your guests to a reception at Dudley House, Wednesday, May 29, from 4-6 p.m. RSVP by May 27.

Breakfast with the Deans
Commencement Day starts with breakfast on the Gropius Lawns (35 Oxford Street), 6:45-7:45 a.m., after which we'll process to Sever Quadrangle.

Commencement Day Luncheon
Lunch is served from noon-3 p.m. on the Gropius Lawns (33 Oxford Street).

The menu for breakfast and lunch will be posted at a later date.

Attend the Afternoon Exercises
Oprah Winfrey will present the commencement address.

Order a DVD of Commencement Day
Note: The GSAS diploma ceremony will not be included. More details on the order form. Print the DVD order form.

 

6. Learn More

Please check our Commencement FAQ, and see below for information about common concerns.

Children’s Diplomas

To learn about the awarding of diplomas to children of graduates, read this informational PDF.

Guests with Disabilities

View information about wheelchair accommodations, parking, transportation, and related matters on Commencement Day. Request additional information via e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Live Broadcast for Morning and Afternoon Exercises

Commencement Morning and Afternoon Exercises will be broadcast live via Comcast Cable (Channel 283) in Boston/Brookline and Cambridge/Greater Boston. These ceremonies will also be streamed live via the following web sites: www.commencementoffice.harvard.edu, www.commencement.harvard.edu, and www.uis.harvard.edu. Please note that the GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony in Sanders Theater will not be broadcast.

International Students

Families of international students sometimes experience difficulty obtaining visas to attend Commencement. Family members who will require US visa stamps must apply to a US embassy or consulate far in advance to complete the process in time. International students who received a November 2012 or or who will receive a March 2013 or June 2013 degree may request that the Dean's Office send an invitation letter to their family; this letter may facilitate the granting of a visa. To request a letter, please e-mail the GSAS Office of Student Affairs at least 3 weeks before your family’s appointment with the embassy or consulate. To request a letter, please e-mail the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

View a PDF containing specific information required to generate a letter.

Details about the visitor's visa may be found on the US Department of State website. You may also visit the Harvard International Office (HIO) website which outlines the documents needed for the visa application process. Darryl Zeigler, HIO International Student Advisor, can answer any questions you may have and can be reached at 617-495-2789.

Security

Heightened security measures will be in effect for Commencement. All degree candidates who are attending Commencement must visibly display their Harvard identification (ID) cards or Harvard Yard Passes before being granted admission to Harvard Yard. GSAS will distribute Commencement lanyards (a cord with an attached pouch to be worn around the neck) and Yard Passes to degree candidates when they pick up their Commencement tickets. Lanyards allow degree recipients to display their ID cards or Yard Passes visibly and gain speedier access to Harvard Yard. Degree recipients who are unable to pick up their lanyard and tickets before Commencement Day may obtain them at the GSAS Information Tent at 35 Oxford Street. Please be aware that additional security may be in place at the entrance gates for Commencement guests, and delays can be expected.

Health Insurance for Graduating Students

The Harvard University Student Health Plan (HUSHP) expires on July 31. Graduating students need to plan ahead early in order to secure insurance coverage for August 1. Further information on options is available here. Students with general health insurance questions should This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The HUHS Patient Advocate is available to discuss and assist with any HUHS-related problems or questions.

Questions, Etc.

If you have additional questions, call 617-495-5591 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For information about University-wide Commencement activities, go to www.commencementoffice.harvard.edu.

Media inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.