Sunday, May 17, 2026
Since Yale’s first century, Yale College seniors and faculty have gathered on the Sunday before Commencement for the Baccalaureate ceremony, a ceremony with a Baccalaureate sermon at its heart. The sermon of days past has given way to an address by Yale’s president and the readings of sacred texts. Of the three main events of Commencement weekend - Baccalaureate, Class Day, and Commencement—Baccalaureate is the most formal.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Class Day, a Yale College celebration dating to the 19th century, takes place on Old Campus on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony includes the awarding of academic, athletic, and other prizes; an address by a notable speaker chosen with undergraduates’ input; and speeches and a film reflecting on the graduating class’s four years at Yale. Seniors wear academic gowns and headgear of choice and process from Cross Campus to Old Campus. By longstanding tradition, the wider Yale community is invited to join the audience on Old Campus. A colorful, informal event, Class Day lasts approximately two hours and takes place outdoors rain or shine. A list of previous Class Day speakers can be found here.
Monday, May 18, 2026
The Commencement procession, brings together the entire Yale community in celebration. The procession steps off from Cross Campus promptly at 9:45 a.m. and is led by the senior marshal, procession marshal, the colors, the president’s banners, and the band.
All graduating students march through Noah Porter Gate, and travel to Old Campus via Elm Street through Miller Gate; via College Street through Phelps Gate; or via High Street through High Street Gate.
For Guests
All guests and family members are strongly encouraged to avoid Cross Campus. Viewing the procession can be done from the seating on Old Campus. Street closures and barricades around the procession route will make lines of sight challenging for guests. Photos may be taken at Cross Campus, or Noah Porter Gate following the Commencement ceremony.
Monday, May 18, 2026
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.” The provost presents the candidates for honorary degrees, a tradition that began in 1702.
The ceremony lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tips for Guests
- The gates to Old Campus open at 8:00 a.m. Please refer to signage on Old Campus and the seating chart in your program when deciding where to sit.
- University Commencement is a joyous and celebratory event with over 20,000 people attending. We encourage guests to find seats near one of the large screens to have the best view of the platform.
Monday, May 18, 2026
Diploma ceremonies for Yale College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools usually take place immediately after university Commencement on Monday. These more intimate ceremonies last approximately two hours, and an optional Commencement luncheon follows in each of the residential colleges.
Tips for Guests
Each diploma ceremony is organized internally by the residential colleges or schools, please contact them directly with questions specific to the diploma ceremony.
Shuttles are available near Old Campus after the University Commencement concludes. While direct service to each diploma ceremony is not provided; shuttles will bring guests to stops near by. For a complete listing of shuttles and stops please visit the Yale Shuttle website.