University Commencement and Graduate School Diploma Ceremony
2026 COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 17
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 18
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 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 in Commons.
STUDENT REGISTRATION: GSAS DIPLOMA CEREMONY
Eligibility
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 2025 and May 2026 graduates are invited to attend these activities.
*Please note that 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.
Due to capacity limitations, recipients of en route Master's degrees are not included in the Commencement ceremonies.
Diplomas are handed to graduates in-person during the GSAS Diploma Ceremony.
Registration
Student registration for the May 2026 ceremony will open in March 2026.
Guest Tickets
Guests do not need tickets to attend the GSAS Diploma Ceremony. Degree candidates must register using the link above.
Deadlines
Please note that you must submit your dissertation by the March 15 deadline in order to walk in the May Commencement. December 2025 graduates are allowed to walk in the May 2026 Commencement.
Questions
Before reaching out to GS Commencement staff with questions, please thoroughly review the GS Commencement page as it contains important information. If you cannot find the answer to your specific question, email gscommencement@yale.edu
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
General Information
Yale will celebrate the Class of 2026 with an in-person University Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18 at 10:30 am on Old Campus. Graduates should arrive at the McDougal Center at 8:30 am to join the GSAS procession to Old Campus.
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.
Guest Tickets
Graduate students will receive two (2) guest tickets to the Old Campus ceremony. In order to receive tickets for their guests, graduates must register their attendance (using a separate form). An email will be sent to all eligible students at the end of March. Any questions regarding guest tickets to the University Commencement ceremony on Old Campus should be sent to university.events@yale.edu.
ACADEMIC REGALIA
How To Order
Academic regalia is required to participate in the Commencement Activities. Information about how to order academic regalia can be found here. 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.
Order Deadline
Please check back for the 2026 deadline.
Distribution Schedule
Refer to the ASA webpage for the regalia distribution schedule
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:
- 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.
LIVESTREAM VIDEO
The University Commencement Ceremony and GSAS Diploma Ceremony will be live-streamed. Please check back for links.
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.