Harvard-wide: We are excited to celebrate the Classes of 2020 and 2021 in a University-wide Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at 8:00 am (EDT) in Harvard Yard. This will be a ticketed event open to the graduate and three additional guests, for a total of four tickets. Harvard Business School will simulcast the entire ceremony on our campus.

At HBS: After the ceremony in the Yard, HBS grads and their guests will return to the HBS campus for the on campus celebration. This will not be a ticketed event, and your family and friends are welcome to attend. Leading up to the Commencement on Sunday, May 29, HBS is planning One-Year Reunion activities for members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 beginning the evening of Friday, May 27, and continuing Saturday, May 28. Note that each class will have separate reunion events and activities. Attendance is limited to the HBS alumnus plus their partner or single guest for reunions.

Harvard-wide will be combined. The Harvard community will come together to celebrate and honor members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 from across the University in a joint ceremony in Tercentenary Theater on May 29, 2022. Each school will also host special events for their graduates on their campuses during the weekend of May 28-29.

At HBS, events will be section-and class-specific. HBS reunion activities, open to MBA alumni and partners, will be held on Friday evening, May 27, and Saturday, May 28. The activities will include a mix of social and programmatic events for individual sections and the entire class. Commencement celebrations begin Sunday.

Harvard-wide: Each graduate will receive three (3) guest tickets to the University-wide Commencement ceremony.  You must order your tickets when you register to attend the Harvard University Commencement. The University-wide ceremony will also be livestreamed online. Because of guest limit for the live ceremony, HBS will be broadcasting the live ceremony on campus for family and friends to attend in person.
NOTE: Your tickets to the HU Commencement will be delivered electronically from Harvard University. Each ticket will have an individual barcode that may only be used once. If you have questions, please email: commencement_20and21@harvard.edu.

At HBS: All HBS graduates and their partners and guests will be welcome at HBS Commencement Celebration immediately following the Harvard University formal Commencement. This will not be a ticketed event. You will be invited to note the number of guests you anticipate bringing when you register.

Yes. Regalia is required by Harvard University for the formal Commencement ceremony at Harvard Yard. While Harvard Business School will not require regalia to attend the celebration at HBS, we strongly encourage graduates to wear regalia for your stage crossing and photos with the Dean.

Order your regalia online through the Harvard Coop. You will be directed to a link for Harvard Business School. Regalia must be ordered before April 9, 2022.
NOTE: Domestic orders will ship to the address you provide when ordering. International orders will ship directly to HBS for pick-up when you arrive on campus for the events. Orders will be available for pick up at Klarman Hall Friday, May 27 through the weekend.

Yes. Please bring your regalia with you.

Yes. If you are approved for financial assistance, the University will pay for your regalia. NOTE: If Harvard University approves payment for your regalia, you will be given a unique code to use when you place your order. Reimbursements are not possible, so those requesting financial assistance should not order regalia without using the unique code. If you have any questions, email: commencement_20and21@harvard.edu.

Yes. Harvard is endeavoring to honor all housing requests from graduates. Requests will be handled at the University level rather than by HBS. We anticipate that University housing will be limited by availability and Harvard cannot guarantee specific locations. You will be able to register for campus accommodations with Harvard University when you register for the HU Commencement. Note: Campus housing is available only for Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

No. To ensure the maximum number of graduates can secure campus housing, the University will not be able to provide campus housing for families and guests. 

While staying on the Harvard campus offers the opportunity to enjoy a convenient location, campus housing does not typically include the same amenities as a hotel. Though subject to change, you can plan that your room will be equipped with beds, fresh linens, fresh towels, soap, water glasses, trash bags, and some essential furniture. Please note, campus accommodations often have shared bathrooms and no air conditioning.  

We have secured a group rate specifically for HBS graduates at the Renaissance Hotel in Boston.  The rooms are available to HBS alumni on a first-come basis. Harvard University has also negotiated group rates at several area hotels. Visit the HU website for a list of those hotels. NOTE: Harvard University hotel blocks are generally available for Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

No. We are thrilled to welcome graduates back to campus at no cost for any of the University or school events related to these celebrations.

Yes. The University is committed to making the celebration financially feasible for all members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021. While there will be no charge for registration, provided meals, or campus housing for the graduates of these classes, we know that for some graduates the cost of traveling to campus may be a hardship. In those situations, financial assistance will be available. 

Requests for financial assistance must be made at the University level (rather than through individual schools). You must complete the financial aid survey sent by Harvard University.

If you are applying for financial assistance, please note that all transactions must be made through the University. If you are applying for travel assistance, a travel agent will contact you to make all arrangements. Do not purchase tickets on your own – you will not be reimbursed. Deadline to apply for travel assistance and/or financial assistance is February 11, 2022. If you missed the deadline, contact: commencement_20and21@harvard.edu.

Yes. All graduates from the Classes of 2020 or 2021 are invited to participate. 

Yes, you are welcome to attend the Class of 2020 and 2021 One-Year Reunions. Please note, deferred students cannot participate in HBS Commencement Celebration if they have not completed their MBA program by May 2021. For questions, please contact youngalumni@hbs.edu.

All visitors to campus, including both graduates and their families and guests, should be aware of the University policies in place at the time of their visit.  COVID-19 Safety Awareness Training: Protection/Prevention Practices provides current guidance and safety practices. The University understands the need to communicate guidelines and expectations with graduates and families as far in advance as possible. 

Currently, the University is requiring those coming to campus for Harvard-sponsored events and activities to be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine. Graduates and their guests should plan accordingly. 

The health and safety of our community, including our graduates, is paramount. The University will continue to actively monitor public health conditions, but we are confident we can safely celebrate these graduating classes on campus by following COVID protocols. 

To receive communications about the Commencement celebration, please make sure the University has up-to-date contact information. You can update your contact information by logging in with your HarvardKey to the Online Alumni Directory.

Please send HBS-specific questions and comments to youngalumni@hbs.edu. For questions related to Harvard University (tickets, financial aid, campus housing), please send all inquiries to commencement_20and21@harvard.edu.

You may review the HBS Community Values on the  campus and culture website.