Families and guests

For information on transit, tickets, and accommodations for the Harvard University Commencement Morning Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre, please visit the Harvard University Commencement website.

For travel guidance for Convocation and Commencement, visit the Harvard International Office website.

If you are interested in receiving emails about guest information for Convocation, please fill out this form.

Security and bag policy

• Convocation at Agganis Arena:
  • Only small and average-size handbags, purses, and camera bags will be allowed.
    • (No large totes, oversized purses, backpacks, large diaper bags, or messenger bags – please do not bring these items to the events.)
  • Bag size is limited to 12″ x 12″ x 6″.
  • All bags will be physically inspected prior to entry.
  • There is no storage available.
  • Prior to Commencement weekend, a Security page, which includes a list of Prohibited Items, will be available. Please save items such as champagne, balloons, and beach balls for your post-Commencement festivities. 
• Commencment at Harvard Yard:
  • Security measures are in effect for Harvard’s Commencement. All degree candidates who attend the Commencement Morning Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre must visibly display their Harvard IDs or Harvard Yard passes before they are granted admission to Harvard Yard. 
  • No backpacks of any type will be allowed on campus
  • No bag or item larger than 12 x 12”x 12” will be permitted excepting medical equipment. 
  • No luggage may be brought or stored at a ceremony locations, please make other arrangements.

Transportation and parking

Parking in Cambridge and Boston can be especially challenging during the busy graduation season. We highly recommend using public transit (the MBTA, also known as the “T”) whenever possible.

The Agganis Arena is conveniently located near the Babcock St. stop on the B train of the Green Line, and is served by multiple bus routes. The Agganis Arena has detailed information on public transit options.

More information on parking is coming soon.

Accommodations for guests with disabilities

General accessibility information for guests can be found on the University’s Commencement website. Any requests for a participant or guest accessibility accommodations at Convocation or Commencement events should have been made on the Ceremony Information Response Form (CIRF). If you have any specific questions, please email convocation@hsph.harvard.edu.

Guest tickets

Harvard Chan Convocation and Harvard University Commencement are ticketed events. Graduating students will receive information about requesting tickets in February.

• A ticket is required to gain entry into all ceremony locations.
• Graduates may request up to five (5) guest tickets for the Harvard Chan Convocation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
• Graduates may request up to two (2) guest tickets for the University Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
• All children over 5 years of age require their own ticket for Convocation at Agganis Arena.
• All children over 2 years of age require their own ticket for Commencement at Harvard Yard.
• Strollers are not permitted in ceremony locations.
• The sale of graduation tickets is prohibited.
• Graduating students can access electronic tickets for May 28, 2025 via the graduation form (available beginning in March).
• Graduates can pick up physical tickets for May 29, 2025 at the School in early May.

Guest Advice

A guest ticket for the Commencement Morning Exercises (Thursday, May 29th, 2025) guarantees access to the Yard but does not reserve an actual seat. If guests want to secure a seat, they must arrive at Harvard Yard early. Many guests line up well in advance of the gates opening in order to get a seat for the Commencement Morning Exercises.

The Commencement Morning Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre are festive and fun but not for the faint of heart: seats, bathrooms, food, and water are very limited. 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 x 12”x 12” will be permitted inside the Yard. Strollers are permitted only in the Old Yard and not in Tercentenary Theatre.

Where to stay

Please visit the University Commencement website to see a compiled list of hotels in the area.