Commencement

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. 

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

University Commencement Ceremony

The University Commencement ceremony is held on Monday, May 19, at 10:30 am on Old Campus (graduates arrive at the McDougal Center at 8:30 am). 

Graduates must register their attendance in order to receive guest tickets. Graduate students will receive two (2) guest tickets to the Old Campus ceremony. During registration, students have the opportunity to enter a lottery for one (1) additional ticket. 

Registration will remain open until April 25, after which lottery decisions will be communicated by the University Commencement Office. For questions about University Commencement tickets, refer to this webpage or email university.events@yale.edu.

GSAS Diploma Ceremony

The Graduate School's Diploma Ceremony is held on Monday, May 19, at 12 pm in Woolsey Hall for all* terminal MA, MS, MPhil, and PhD degree recipients. December 2024 and May 2025 graduates are invited to attend these activities. 

Registration is required to attend the Diploma Ceremony. The deadline to register is April 15, 2025. Tickets are not required for guests to attend the GSAS Diploma Ceremony.

Please note that you must submit your dissertation by the March 15 deadline in order to walk in the May Commencement. December 2024 graduates are allowed to walk in the May 2025 Commencement.

*Due to capacity limitations, please note that recipients of en route Master's degrees are not included in the Commencement ceremonies. Students who are receiving the MS degree in Public Health will have their degrees conferred at the Yale School of Public Health Diploma Ceremony instead of the GSAS Diploma Ceremony. MS degree recipients in Public Health should consult YSPH commencement site for information about this event.

Academic Regalia Orders

Academic regalia is required to participate in Commencement activities. Information about how to order academic regalia can be found here. Orders should be placed by March 28; orders placed between March 28-April 9 will incur a $10 late fee. Orders must be placed by April 9 to guarantee processing. 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.

2025 COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE

Sunday, May 18

1:00pm - On the Sunday before Commencement, the Graduate School holds its Convocation Ceremony at the Yale University Art Gallery (1111 Chapel Street), during which academic prizes are awarded to graduating students. Students receiving prizes will be notified in advance.

Monday, May 19

8:30am - 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 immediately 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 (watch the livestream) will take place in Woolsey Hall.

2:00pm - Graduates and guests are invited to attend the Dean's Reception with light refreshments and snacks in Commons (500 College Street) following the ceremony .

Diplomas

Diplomas are presented 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 7 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. 

10:30am: University Commencement Ceremony (watch here)
12:00pm: GSAS Diploma Ceremony (watch here)

Additional Resources:

• ITS Graduating Student Resources (email access, library privileges, etc.)
• Degree Verification Letters