Commencement

Congratulations to the Dunster House Graduating Class of 2024! 

Graduating students, if you haven't already taken a moment to review our Commencement communication from May 15th, it can be accessed here.  

Senior Week & Commencement Tickets

Commencement Week Tickets (for the Family Reception, Class Day Picnic, Class Day Exercises, Commencement Exercises, and House Luncheon) can be picked up only by graduating seniors at the Senior Desk.

Graduating seniors must first complete the online senior exit survey before they pick up their Commencement Week tickets. The survey may take up to 24 hours to process, so please wait until the next business day before picking up tickets.   Each senior must pick up their own tickets in person and will need to bring their Harvard ID with them. No tickets (allotted, free, or purchased) will be available onsite at Commencement Week events with the exception of the Commencement Luncheon in the Houses (cash only).   At the Senior Desk, seniors will be able to pick up their standard ticket packet, request additional free tickets, and purchase additional tickets that have a cost. Credit or debit card payments are accepted.   Senior Desk is located at the Harvard Alumni Association at 124 Mount Auburn Street, and will be open weekdays until May 22 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 10–22: Students from all Houses can pick up their tickets. A friendly reminder that Harvard University policy does not allow for the sale of Commencement Tickets.

 

Commencement Day Schedule

6:15 a.m. Senior Class Champagne Breakfast!

Graduates make their way to the Courtyard Lounge to enjoy a catered breakfast and sparkling wine toast with your fellow graduates, Tutors, and House staff. Come dressed in regalia and bring your HUID for your security pass -- it’s required.

6:30 a.m. Senior Procession

The Senior Procession Forms at the front gate of Dunster House led by the Harvard Band, Sean, Cheryl, and Gregory. We’ll gather in the Courtyard, exit through the Memorial Drive Gates, and head to the Yard.

8:00 a.m. Senior Valediction

8:15 a.m. Yard Exercises

Seniors process and will be seated with their House in Tercentenary Theater.

9:30 a.m. Commencement Morning Exercises Called to Order

12:15 p.m. Commencement Exercises Adjourn

Seniors (quickly!) return from the Yard to Dunster House for the Diploma Ceremony. Seniors take their seats on the labeled chairs in the Courtyard in alpha order by last name.

12:45 p.m.  Dunster House Diploma Ceremony

During the Ceremony, you’ll stand up one row at a time, be guided by staff around the tent to the stage, where your name will be called and you’ll accept your diploma (and pose for a photo!) Please note that only May-conferred degrees will be receiving their paper diplomas on Commencement Day.

2:00 p.m. Commencement Lunch

Lunch will be served in the Dining Hall immediately following the Ceremony.

Commencement FAQs

Where Do I Get My Cap & Gown?

You’re required to wear customized academic caps and gowns, aka "regalia", for Commencement exercises in Harvard Yard and in Dunster House. Cap and gowns are available for purchase between May 18-25 at the Coop, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday only until 6:00 pm. No reservations or pre-orders are required for College seniors! The cost is $55.00 for a bachelor gown and $99 for a master’s gown with a hood. The Coop is also open early on Commencement Day (6:15 a.m.) for regalia pickup. Cash, check, credit card, or Crimson Cash is accepted.

What is the "Diploma Ceremony?"
The Dunster House Diploma Ceremony is where you receive your physical Harvard diploma! The ceremony occurs around noon, before lunch. You will remain in cap and gown for this important event.

What is Included in the Dunster Commencement Program?

All degree candidates and participants are listed in the Dunster House Commencement Program, even if they cannot attend. As space permits, we also list as many College prizes and awards as possible. Because we rely on you for information about your awards, please report any prizes and awards you have won during all your years at Harvard. (Keep in mind we cannot list all prizes and will exercise discretion in this matter.)

What is this Commencement Lunch and Who is Invited?

This is a ticketed event, but anyone is welcome. It will be a large buffet lunch of vegetarian and chicken options, pastas, fruit, and desserts. You can take your plate out to the Courtyard or sit at any of our public spaces. You will automatically receive 1 ticket for your own lunch and 2 free guest tickets. Any other tickets are considered extra and you will need to purchase them at the Senior Desk.

How Many Commencement tickets do I get?

Harvard issues only 4 tickets per student for the Yard Exercises. You can give them to any friend or family member you choose. However, selling Morning Exercise tickets is forbidden by the University -- please do not advertise to sell them. If you would like to request extra Morning Exercises tickets, you will need to contact the Commencement Office directly. There are no tickets needed for the Dunster House Diploma Ceremony.

What if I have more people coming than 4? What do I do about the morning?

The Yard Exercises are broadcast in many places on campus, including the Dunster Grille Lounge, on local Comcast Channel 190, and will be Live Streamed.

What is Senior Week?

Senior Week (May 13-18) is a fun, traditional week of all-Class events that takes place after the underclassmen move out on May 12th. Events include the Senior Soiree, Senior Olympics, and Senior BBQ (and more). It’s a packed week! Be sure to check the full schedule sent to all seniors by the Alumni Office on May 6th.

Do Term Bills Affect my Graduation?
If you have any outstanding bills or fees, or financial holds, you must settle them with Student Receivables (i.e. the Term Bill Office) Make sure all University bills are paid on time or you will not receive your actual diploma at Commencement! All you will get is a big, empty, white envelope. The College is strict about this.

Are Dining Halls Open During Senior Week and Commencement?

A few dining halls are kept open for limited meals during Senior Week, but they all close for Commencement Week. Please see the full HUDS Schedule here. Keep in mind there will be a lot of gatherings and various College events that offer food during this last week.

Is there a Dunster House Reception for Seniors?

Yes! A reception for Dunster seniors and their families will be held on Wednesday, May 22, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm in the Courtyard. Light appetizers and drinks will be available; please plan on coming! Everyone is welcome.

Access & Bag Policy

Commencement Aides and staff will be around to guide you every step of the way. You must have your Harvard ID in hand at the Senior Breakfast--we will be giving each of you a special security lanyard into which you will insert your ID as you line up to march to the Yard. This is how you gain access to the Yard without being searched. So don’t forget your ID! Also please be sure NOT to bring extra bags or purses with you to morning exercises. Please see this website for the Morning Exercises Gates and Bag Policy

Photos
Arrangements have been made for Grad Images Inc. to photograph each Senior as the Diplomas are presented. Photos will be available for purchase, and information about them will be sent to your email address. You are under no obligation to buy any photos but they will be available to you for one year post- Commencement. (If your family wants to do its own photography, please ask them not to interfere with the professional photographers and not to block anyone else’s viewing).

Will the Diploma Ceremony be Recorded?

Yes, and we will send out a video link with a recording of the Commencement Ceremony in early June. There will not be a live stream of the House ceremonies.

How long can I stay in the House after graduation?

All seniors are expected to move out the day after Commencement, May 26, by 5:00 pm. It is a hard deadline as the building teams will be quickly preparing Dunster spaces for Harvard Reunions, which occur soon after Commencement.