Information for all Graduates

Order Your Cap and Gown

The Cap and Gown Agency coordinates academic apparel for those participating in the University Commencement exercises.

Students may visit the Cap and Gown website for more details on specific ordering information.

For more information, the Guide to Academic Regalia provide additional details on Yale’s academic regalia, including colors, hood styles, and degree distinctions.

Commencement Ticket Registration

Tickets will be required to gain entry to Old Campus for Yale’s 325th Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Each student graduating from Yale College will receive four (4) guest tickets.

Each student receiving a degree from the Graduate School or one of the professional schools will receive two (2) guest tickets.

Eligible students received an invitation email from university.events@yale.edu with a link to register for their Commencement tickets on March 24, 2026. After registering, students must pick up Commencement guest tickets in person during ticket distribution. To streamline the process, ticket distribution will coincide with the time and location of regalia pick-up. 

For more information on registering for Commencement tickets and to review important guidelines, including the ticket lottery, ticket distribution, and registration, visit Information about Guest Ticket Registration for Commencement 2026.

Graduating degree candidates do not need tickets to participate in Commencement. Graduates, along with faculty and fellows, must wear academic regalia.

Children ages 3 and under do not require a ticket. However, they cannot occupy a seat and must sit in the lap of a ticketed guest.  

The sale of Commencement tickets is strictly prohibited. If the University becomes aware of tickets being sold or purchased, it may result in a student’s forfeiting of all guest tickets.  

Please note: Class Day, Baccalaureate, and most diploma ceremonies are not ticketed. 

Guests without tickets for the University Commencement ceremony can also enjoy the event via live stream at designated hospitality viewing locations on campus or watch it live on the Yale YouTube page.

Commencement Weekend Overview

Commencement weekend is a series of beloved traditions and events that mark the culmination of students’ academic journeys. Each school and college host their own unique events from Friday through Monday afternoon. Here is an overview of protocol for the major ceremonies. 

Baccalaureate Protocol

Sit immediately when you reach your seat on Old Campus. Stand when the President’s party arrives. 

When the President sits, you sit.

Commencement Protocol

When you reach your designated seats on Old Campus, sit immediately. Rise and after your dean says the following: “I have the honor to present candidates for the degree of (name), xxx in number.” When all candidates for your degree are standing, the president confers degrees “as designated by the dean”; and student marshals go forward to accept symbolic diplomas. As they return to their places,  sit down. After the benediction, stand until the president, members of the Yale Corporation, and honorary degree recipients have left the platform. Follow your marshals back to your school, or to a place designated by your dean, to receive your diploma.

Academic attire should be worn over appropriate dark clothing. Please refrain from taking pictures during the procession.

Order Cap and Gown

Students should visit the Cap and Gown website for ordering details and deadlines. Additional information on Yale’s academic regalia including colors, hood styles, and degree distinctions is available in the Guide to Academic Regalia

Register for Commencement tickets

Tickets are required for guest entry to Old Campus for Yale’s 325th Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026; graduating students do not need tickets but must wear academic regalia to participate. Eligible students will receive instructions on how to request tickets for Commencement guests.

Pay Senior Dues (Yale College)

Senior Class Dues are $150.00. If not already paid with the term bill, they can be paid with a check to “Yale University” or exact amount of cash and delivered to the Yale College Business Office, 55 Whitney Ave. Suite 630, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. When payment has been made, you will be included on the email list for notifications about upcoming class events. The Senior Class Officers will instruct you on how to obtain your senior class dues sticker.

Confirm diploma information

The registrar will send an email in the spring with instructions to visit the HUB to confirm the listing of your name and degree.

For more information, please email diploma@yale.edu.

Return library materials

Graduating students must return all borrowed library materials and resolve any outstanding bill charges or disputes before Commencement, as unpaid fines or fees may result in diplomas being withheld. Library accounts can be reviewed online or through Sterling Memorial Library Information Services (203-432-1775).
Graduates remain eligible for free library borrowing through the summer and may continue privileges at the alumni rate.

Pay outstanding bills

All amounts due on April bills from Student Financial Services must be paid in full by May 1, and degree candidates with outstanding loans must complete a required online exit interview before diplomas are released. Call 203-432-2700 with questions. 

Pick up your Commencement tickets and regalia

Regalia and Commencement ticket pick-up will take place during Commencement week at Payne Whitney Gym. More information will follow. 

Review and share “Know Before You Go” with family and friends

To be in the know and prepare your guests for Commencement weekend, review our Know Before You Go  page for your one-stop guide to a successful Commencement weekend.