[Graduates]’s Graduation Celebration

Thank you for your support!

Thank you for your support!

[A couple of paragraphs about your degree, how your journey has been, what you’re proud of accomplishing during your years in school and how grateful you are to guest for making it easier for you to enjoy the journey.]

[End with "This page includes everything you need to know if you're planning to attend the commencement ceremony in Cambridge, MA.”]

You’re officially invited to

[Graduate]’s Graduation Ceremonies

[Days], [Date range]
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Don't forget to save this page!

💾

Don't forget to save this page! 💾

Schedule of Events

* = Guests without tickets can view from afar

** = Plus ones are also invited

// FORMAL DINNER

HEAA Annual Banquet 2026

At the Harvard Extension Alumni Association (HEAA) Annual Banquet, the HEAA Board of Directors and members will reflect on the past year, welcome newly elected directors, honor award recipients, and raise a toast to the Class of 2026.

Dress Code: Business casual. 

Important details

Conclusion

9pm

Tue, May 26 at 6pm ET
Annenberg Hall, Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA

Start

Ticketed Guests

This is a ticketed event & has open seating.

// OPTIONAL EVENT BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Information Technology Program Reception

The Program Reception is an opportunity for graduating ALM-IT* students to celebrate with classmates, friends, family, and administration in a more intimate setting. Remarks will feature Program Directors, special guests, and a toast to the Class of 2026. Graduating students may bring two (2) guests to the HES Program Reception.

*Cybersecurity, Data Science, Digital Media Design, Information Management Systems, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering

Important details

Conclusion

11:30am

Wed, May 27 at 10am ET
Northwest Building   Lower Level B100

Start

Ticketed Guests

// EVENT 1

Harvard University Morning Exercises

An outdoor University-wide event where honorary degrees are awarded and guest speeches are made to the entire 2026 graduating class. Graduates will not be awarded their diplomas here.

Find out who the Commencement Speaker is this year.
See the detailed schedule for May 28.

Important details

Start of Ceremony

9:30am (approx.)

Thu, May 28 at 6:45am ET
Tercentenary Theatre, Harvard Yard

Gates open

All guests should plan to be seated by 8:30am ET.
If are not able to find good seats, please head to the Science Center.

Seating Deadline
Conclusion

12:30pm

Ticketed Guests*

This is a ticketed event & has first-come seating; early arrival is recommended for ticketed guests.

// EVENT 2

Group Selfies & Lunch

Thu, May 28 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. ET | Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard‍

This is a great time to snap group selfies! My afternoon guests will receive boxed lunches. Just head to the location of afternoon ceremony to grab food. You are free to bring your own refreshments, but please note that there are limited food options outside of the boxed lunch near the ceremony site.

Note: Ticketed guests for the HES Commencement Ceremony need to be seated by 1:30pm.

For These Guests:

// EVENT 3

HES Commencement Ceremony

The dean of the Harvard Extension School 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.

See program details.

Important details

Thu, May 28 at noon ET
Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard‍ 

Gates open

All graduates and guests should plan to arrive and be seated no later than 1:30 p.m. ET.

Seating Deadline
Start of Ceremony

2pm

5pm

Conclusion

Ticketed Guests*

Guest 1's ticket
Guest 2's ticket

This is a ticketed event & has first-come seating; ticketed guests need to be seated by 1:30pm.

// EVENT 4

Paint the Town Red Graduation Dinner

Thu, May 28 | 6:45pm | [Name & link to Restauarant]

Let’s grab dinner at [restaurant], where the vibes are chill and the food is firey. I invite you to dress in reds, pinks and/or neutrals as I close my chapter with Harvard crimson!

[Link to restaurant’s menu.]

Invited Guests**

// FYI

Getting Ready

  • [Link to lodging] which falls on the orange metro line.

  • The Harvard Square stop on the MBTA’s Red Line subway is directly across the street from Harvard Yard. To help plan your trip, including accessible routes, visit the MBTA’s Trip Planner website.

    When using a ride-sharing application, the addresses you may provide are as follows:

    • AM event at Harvard Yard: 1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

    • PM event Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard: 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138

  • Bag Policy

    To maintain the safety and security of all attendees, all persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection before entering Harvard Yard.

    • No backpacks of any type will be admitted. 

    • No bag or item larger than 12"x12"x12" will be permitted inside the Yard. 

    How to Dress

    May weather in Boston can be variable (hot and humid, cool, or raining), so use your judgment when deciding what to wear. Both the AM and PM ceremonies will be held outside in most weather conditions, including heavy rain.

    Useful items to bring include:

    • Sunscreen

    • Sun hats

    • Umbrellas/ponchos

    • Blankets

    • Sunglasses

    • Snacks

    • Water bottles

  • With everyone’s phones competing for signal, your signal will be weak and your battery will drain surprisingly quickly as your phone struggles to find a good signal. There aren’t any charging stations. So use low-power mode, close all apps, turn off Bluetooth, wifi and data. Consider carry a battery pack charger.

  • The gates to Harvard Yard will open at 6:45 AM. We ask that guests are seated by 8:30 AM. Guests may enter Harvard Yard through any gate marked with a "G".

    While a ticket grants you access into Harvard Yard, it does not guarantee you a seat. Seating is available on a first-come basis and cannot be reserved.

    We encourage all guests desiring a seat in the Theatre to arrive early.

    If you’re unable to grab a seat at the morning event, abundant overflow seating is available:

    • Within Harvard Yard: Near Lamont Library or Weld Hall

    • Just outside the Yard: Smith Campus Center and Science Center. 

  • Exact location of the AM event: Tercentenary Theatre

    Overflow watching area: Science Center

    Exact location of the PM event: Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard

  • For morning ceremony:
    Livestreamed on the Harvard University Commencement

    For afternoon ceremony:
    Livestreamed on the Extension School website.

  • MessageMe Service

    Should an event occur on our near any of the Harvard campuses, Harvard University Police will send an alert advising you of the situation and instructions on what to do. 

    Visit messageme.harvard.edu to learn more.