May 20
Yale University Ceremony
All University Degrees are formally conferred during the Commencement ceremony on Old Campus. During the ceremony, the dean of Yale College and deans of the Graduate and professional schools formally present their approved candidates to the president. The president, in turn, confers the degrees and admits new graduates to each degree’s “rights and responsibilities.” Student marshals from each residential college and school accept symbolic diplomas from the president on behalf of their colleagues. The ceremony lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Tickets are required for the University Commencement ceremony. Each graduate student will receive two tickets prior to the ceremony. A ticket grants admissions onto Old Campus, but does not guarantee a specific seat. Seating is available on a first-come, first- served basis and can’t be reserved.
Access to Old Campus will be through Phelps, Chapel East, Dwight Hall, Lanman (handicapped accessible), and Cheney Ives Gates. Miller Gate and High Street Gate will be open to processing graduate and professional students only. (View a map of gates accessible to the public here.)
Please note: Guests are strongly encouraged to avoid bringing bags to all major ceremonies. All bags are subject to search at all events. A luggage check will be set up in Phelps Gate for guests entering Old Campus who are traveling and must have their luggage with them at Class Day or Commencement due to swift arrivals or departures directly prior to or following the ceremonies. Dogs are not allowed at both the SOM or University Ceremony except for service dogs.