GSAS Commencement page (gsas.yale.edu)
University Commencement page (yale.edu)

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. 

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.

*Due to capacity limitations, recipients of en route Master's degrees are not included in the Commencement ceremonies. 

Registration
Student registration for December 2025 graduates opens in January. All others should register in March 2026. 

Guest Tickets
Guests do not need tickets to attend the GSAS Diploma Ceremony. Degree candidates must register using this form. 

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.

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
Orders should be placed by March 27, 2026; orders placed between March 28-April 10 will incur a $10 late fee.

Distribution Schedule
Refer to the ASA webpage for the regalia distribution schedule

Starting in 2026, diplomas for both December 2025 and May 2026 degree conferrals will be mailed. Please see the University Registrar’s Office diploma page for information regarding diploma delivery.

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.

The University Commencement Ceremony and GSAS Diploma Ceremony will be live-streamed. Please check back for links.

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.

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

Your SID is a nine digit number starting with 9 that is in the bottom left corner of your Yale ID.
Please note: only students receiving a PhD or terminal Master's degree are invited to attend. Due to capacity limitations, en route degree recipients are not permitted to attend.
There are no tickets required for the GSAS diploma Ceremony; however, we will use these numbers for planning purposes.