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 to enter Old Campus.
For Commencement, access to Old Campus will be through Phelps, Chapel East, Dwight Hall, and Cheney Ives Gates. Miller Gate and High Street Gate will be open to processing graduate and professional students only.
Please note: Guests are strongly encouraged to avoid bringing bags to all major ceremonies. Bags or luggage 12” x 12” or larger in size will not be permitted at Baccalaureate, Class Day, Commencement, and the Yale Air Force and Naval ROTC Joint Commissioning Ceremony. 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.