Graduation Information

Commencement Information for the College Class of 2012

Event Schedule | Ticket Information | Frequently Asked Questions

Event Schedule

Events involving family members of the College Class of 2012 graduates begin on Tuesday, May 22. You should plan to participate in all the activities and be in Cambridge from May 22–24, 2012, with Thursday, May 24 (Commencement) being the most important day to attend.

Graduation Week Schedule for Family/Guests

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Ticket Information 

Senior Desk: Beginning Tuesday, May 1, 2012 between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, seniors are invited to come to the “Senior Desk” at the Harvard Alumni Association Office, on the 6th floor at 124 Mount Auburn Street in Cambridge, to pick up all of the tickets to which they are entitled and to purchase additional tickets.

This is the only way for students to pick up all tickets.

When they arrive at the Senior Desk, students can purchase additional tickets with cash, check, or credit card or pick up tickets that their parents have requested and purchased in advance.

Additional ticket purchases starting May 1 (and until May 23) must be done by students at Senior Desk.

Ticket Summary

Ticketed Events

Senior Class Family Dinner & Party: Tuesday, May 22 at 6:00 PM

Enjoy dinner and drinks with your senior, as well as other families and guests. Tickets are complimentary for the graduating senior and $20 per each additional person (children under 5 are free). All additional reservations must be made in advance; additional tickets for this event can be purchased by students at the Senior Desk (from May 1 until May 23). Seniors are encouraged to check with their parents first before purchasing tickets on campus. If parents have ordered tickets, seniors may pick them up at the Senior Desk.

Class Day Picnic: Wednesday, May 23 at 12:00 PM

Enjoy a casual lunch in the Old Yard. Tickets are complimentary for the graduating senior and two guests, and tickets are $10 per each additional person. All additional reservations must be made in advance; additional tickets for this event can be purchased by students at the Senior Desk (from May 1 until May 23). Seniors are encouraged to check with their parents first before purchasing tickets on campus. If parents have ordered tickets, seniors may pick them up at the Senior Desk.

Commencement—The "Morning Exercises": Thursday, May 24 at 9:45 AM (gates open at 6:45 AM)

Seniors in academic regalia (cap and gown) do not need tickets for the Commencement Morning Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre (security lanyards and regalia are required for entry). Family members and guests will require tickets for the Commencement Morning Exercises.  The Commencement Morning Exercises are extremely crowded (over 32,000 people attend) and, consequently, tickets are limited to a maximum of four per graduating senior (no exceptions).

Commencement—Luncheon and Diploma Presentation: Thursday, May 24 at 12:00 PM

Between the Morning and Afternoon Commencement Exercises, in each House, there is a diploma presentation ceremony and luncheon. This is the ceremony where the graduate actually receives his/her diploma. Tickets are not required for the ceremony but are required for the luncheon. Tickets are complimentary for the graduating senior and two guests. Additional guest tickets can be purchased ahead of time or during the lunch from the checker for $15 each (cash only on the day of Commencement). For all information about the luncheon and tickets, please contact your senior’s House Office. Contact information for each House can be found here.

Commencement—The "Afternoon Program": Thursday, May 24 at 2:30 PM

Students will receive five afternoon Alumni Exercises tickets (one for the graduate and four for guests) where addresses by the Harvard President and the Commencement Speaker are scheduled. Additional Afternoon event tickets may become available at Senior Desk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers about Commencement Week

1. Where can I get graduation announcements?

The Coop offers personalized announcements with graduate’s name, degree and concentration. For more information or to order, visit the Coop, visit www.thecoop.com, or call 800-368-1882.

The Harvard Shop, a division of Harvard Student Agencies, offers personalized graduation announcements. For more information or to order, visit the Harvard Shop at 52 JFK Street, visit www.CBgrad.com, or call 800-433-0296.

2. How can I obtain academic regalia (cap and gown)?

Cap and gown rentals will be available prior to May 24, in the Textbook department on the third floor of the Coop on Palmer Street. For more information, visit www.thecoop.com or call 617-499-2122. 

 Harvard College undergraduates do not have to reserve academic regalia (cap and gown) in advance.

3. How can I purchase Class of 2012 merchandise?

Seniors and parents can purchase class merchandise, brought to you by the Senior Class Committee, through Harvard12.org/swag. Merchandise ordering is now closed. Items will be delivered to Houses in mid-May.

4.When must seniors vacate their rooms?

All seniors must vacate their rooms by 5:00 PM on May 25, 2012 (no exceptions).

5. Are recordings of the Commencement Week activities available for purchase?

Broadcast-quality, multiple-camera DVD recordings are available of the Commencement Morning Exercises and the afternoon Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association held in Tercentenary Theatre. Class Day Exercises (Wednesday afternoon) are also available on DVD. The morning and afternoon Commencement Day recordings include commentary during the processions. Single-camera recordings are made of the diploma ceremonies at all of the Houses and some of the Graduate/Professional Schools.

For purchase of or information about videos, contact Commencement Video at 617-884-6000; for audio only, call the Media Production Center at 617-495-9440.

6. Are there special arrangements for persons with disabilities?

Yes. There is an accessible seating section available for persons with disabilities in Tercentenary Theatre on Commencement Day. For more information about commencement day, please visit the main Commencement site here.

Other commencement week activities may also be accessible depending on location. Please call the Alumni Association at 617-496-7001 or email Clint Ficula to find out more.

7. How do I order a copy of the Class Picture?

If you did not pick up an order form at the time the picture was taken, you can pick one up at 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor any time. You can also contact: Panfoto, P.O. Box 650063, West Newton, MA 02465-0063, www.panfoto.com (781-788-9595, Fax 781-788-4999).

8. Is there parking available during Commencement Week?

Parking during this time is limited. More detailed information can be found on this page.

9. How do I get a copy of the Harvard College Yearbook?

Orders can be placed by going to the website: www.harvardyearbook.com.

10. How do I get added to the Social Senior Class List to receive information about Senior Events?

Email Clint Ficula with your name, House, mailing address, and parent contact information.

11. How can I find out if I am officially considered a senior?

If you want to walk at Commencement but are unsure of your senior standing please contact your House office or contact the registrar directly.

12. Do family members under 5 years old need to pay for or need tickets to events?

For the Family Dinner, no ticket needed for those under 5 years old. For the Class Day picnic and Masters' Receptions, these are pre-bagged meals; if children will need their own lunch, they will need their own ticket. For Class Day/Commencement Exercises, children do not need a ticket if they are able to sit on your lap.

All other Commencement week info can be found here: http://commencement.harvard.edu/

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