Commencement

The university's Commencement website will contain a great deal of relevant information including payment of bills, ordering your cap & gown (deadline: April 14), and travel information for guests. Please check there regularly for questions not addressed below. 

Please note that, due to capacity limitations, recipients of en route Master's degrees are not included in the Commencement ceremonies.

This page will be updated with more information about the Graduate School's commencement activities as it becomes available. Please reach out to gscommencement@yale.edu with any questions you may have.

This year, Yale will celebrate the Class of 2024 with an in-person University Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 20 at 10:30 am (graduates arrive at the McDougal Center at 8:45 am). Graduate students will receive two (2) tickets to the Old Campus ceremony. In order to receive tickets, graduates must register their attendance. Registration will be sent to all eligible students at the end of March.

The Graduate School will host its Diploma Ceremony in Woolsey Hall for all terminal MA, MS, MPhil, and PhD degree recipients immediately following the University ceremony. December 2023 and May 2024 graduates are invited to attend these activities. Due to capacity limitations, recipients of en route Master's degrees are not included in the Commencement ceremonies. The diploma ceremony will not be ticketed.

Please note that you must submit your dissertation by the March 15 deadline in order to walk in the May Commencement. December 2023 graduates are allowed to walk in the May 2024 Commencement.

2023 COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE

Sunday, May 21

1:00pm - On the Sunday before Commencement, the GSAS holds its Convocation Ceremony at the Yale University Art Gallery where academic prizes are awarded to select students. Students receiving prizes will be notified in advance.

Monday, May 22

8:45am - Graduates gather in Caulkins Courtyard at the McDougal Center (135 Prospect Street) to process to Cross Campus and join the University Procession

10:30am - University Commencement exercises begin on Old Campus. At the end of the ceremony, graduates and guests should make their way to Woolsey Hall (500 College Street) and take their seats.

12:00pm - Immediately following the University Commencement on Old Campus, the GSAS Degree Ceremony will take place in Woolsey Hall. A reception will follow on Cross Campus.

Academic Regalia - Deadline: April 14

Academic regalia is required to participate in the Commencement Activities. Information about how to order academic regalia can be found here. Orders must be placed by April 14 to avoid late fees. Please note that caps and gowns ordered via Yale’s portal are made of GreenWeaver material and intended for 1-2 uses. Yale Blue robes, velvet tams, and custom hoods are all considered custom regalia and must be ordered directly through Oak Hall.

Diplomas

Diplomas are handed to graduates in-person during the GSAS Diploma Ceremony. If you do not plan to attend the Diploma Ceremony, please see the University Registrar’s Office diploma page for information regarding diploma pick up. To edit the name you wish to appear on your diploma, and add your diploma mailing address and diploma email address, take the following steps by Monday, April 10 at noon:

• Log into Yale Hub.
• From the Main Menu, select the “Commencement” tab and click on the link in the Diploma Name box.
• Complete the form and submit it online. Note: if you have legally changed your name, you must include official documentation confirming the name change.
• All students should enter a diploma address and diploma email address that will be active six to ten weeks following commencement. Failure to enter a valid diploma address will result in not receiving your diploma.

Accommodations and General Information

Please be aware that New Haven hotels sell out early for Yale’s Commencement. If you have access to a vehicle, you may consider a hotel or Airbnb rental in the greater New Haven area. Towns like Hamden, Branford, West Haven, Milford and Orange are all within a short driving distance. Additional information regarding area lodging, parking, shuttles, services for the disabled, and more is available on the Yale Commencement website.

Livestream

The University Commencement Ceremony and GSAS Diploma Ceremony will be live-streamed via the Yale YouTube channel. The direct link to the GSAS ceremony can be found here.