Commencement for the academic year 2021-2022 will be held in person on May 25 and 26, 2022.

Wednesday, May 25, Class Day:

• Class Photos and ceremony rehearsal for graduates
• GSD Awards Ceremony and Class Day Address
• Reception for graduates and guests

Thursday, May 26, Commencement Day:

• Harvard Yard university-wide ceremony
• GSD Diploma Ceremony
• Lunch for graduates and guests

All graduates and guests should expect continued COVID-19 protection and prevention practices while on-campus. This may include requirements such as mask use and vaccination or testing to participate in events. Currently the University is requiring those coming to campus to be fully vaccinated with a FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine, and the GSD is requiring masks to be worn while indoors or in closely packed outdoor situations. The University will continue to actively monitor public health conditions, but we are confident we can safely celebrate on campus by following Covid protocols. 

Information for Guests

Guest tickets

Graduates are understandably eager to make plans for their loved ones' visits to Cambridge to celebrate Commencement. At present we cannot confirm the exact numbers of guest tickets GSD graduates will receive for in-person seating at events, including the Harvard Yard and GSD ceremonies. Public health precautions may affect these specifics, and it is possible that advance registration may be required to ensure the health and safety of all participants. Graduates can expect to be kept updated by the Office of Student Affairs.

Visa support letters for international guests

If your guest(s) require a visa support letter in order to travel to Cambridge to participate in Commencement 2022, please use our visa support letter request form. The GSD can provide an official letter to the US consulate in your guest's home country, officially supporting the visa application.

Please note that a visa support letter from the GSD is not an official letter of invitation, and it does not guarantee a guest a ticket to attend any specific ceremonies or events. The GSD cannot provide formal graduation announcement letters or invitations.

Live webcasts

Key events, including the GSD's Diploma Ceremony, the GSD's Awards Ceremony and Class Day Address, and the Harvard Yard university-wide ceremony, will also be available by live public webcast for anyone unable to attend in person. All webcasts will include live captions.

Accessibility

Graduates will have the opportunity to request accommodations for guests with disabilities or other needs requiring accommodation to participate fully in the celebrations.

Lodging options

Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in the Cambridge area will become fully booked well in advance of Commencement. Because there are many other colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area with their own graduation festivities at the same time of year, it can become challenging to locate accommodations as the date gets closer. We recommend making reservations for guest lodging as soon as possible. We advise making reservations that can be cancelled later on, when booking early.

Check not only hotels right in Harvard Square (which may already be booked or have high prices due to the high demand) but also surrounding locations. Guests may want to consider hotels that are located on the MBTA public transit system, which opens up areas of Boston and other nearby communities, such as Somerville, Medford, and Arlington. Harvard is easily accessible on the MBTA red line subway and by several major bus routes. Public transportation options also include various taxicab and ride-share services. 

The university Commencement office has created a list of some nearby hotels, which may be helpful in your planning. 

Information for Graduates

Graduates can expect to receive additional information in January 2022 and throughout the spring semester. This page will update with further information about visa support letters for international travelers, ordering regalia, and more.  

Questions?

For further questions about Commencement for the Class of 2022 at the GSD, please contact commencement@gsd.harvard.edu.

You may also wish to view the university-wide Commencement site.