The following message is intended to assist students on how to register for commencement guest tickets successfully.
Information about Guest Ticket Registration for Commencement 2026
Dear Members of the Class of 2026,
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
This email explains how to register for and obtain guest tickets for the University Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. on Old Campus, including the ticket registration process and in-person ticket distribution.
Yale College graduates are allotted four (4) guest tickets.
Graduate and professional school graduates are allotted two (2) guest tickets.
Every guest must have a ticket to enter Old Campus. Guests without tickets may watch the livestream at designated locations to be announced on the Commencement website.
How to Register for Guest Tickets
Watch your email for a message from university.events@yale.edu containing a link to register for guest tickets. Registration is open until April 25.
Step 1: Enter Your Information
Click the link in the email and provide your name, email, Yale NetID, and residential college or school.
You will also create a password, allowing you to modify your registration by April 25.
Step 2: Select Your Tickets
On the next page, select the number of guest tickets you will need, up to the allotted amount. You will also indicate any guest accessibility needs and select whether you want to enter the lottery for one additional ticket.
The number of tickets requested cannot be changed after April 25.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with a specialized QR code and instructions to modify your registration if needed. This QR code will be required when you pick up your guest tickets at ticket distribution.
Using Your Tickets
Tickets will be collected upon entry to Old Campus. Please be sure to distribute your tickets to your guests before the ceremony. Guests without tickets will not be permitted to enter.
Accessible Seating
If any of your guests require accessible seating, please indicate this during registration. Guests with accessibility tickets and their accompanying family members will enter through the High Street gate. More details will be sent to registered guests in May.
Requesting Additional Tickets
After April 25, any unclaimed tickets will be distributed via lottery. If selected, you will receive one (1) additional ticket. Lottery tickets will be assigned starting May 1. Be sure to opt in during registration if you wish to participate.
Additional Information
There is no cost for guest tickets. Selling or purchasing tickets is strictly prohibited.
Graduating degree candidates do not need tickets to attend Commencement. Graduating students, along with faculty and fellows, must wear academic regalia to participate.
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.
For more information, visit the Commencement website, or email university.events@yale.edu with questions.
We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in May!
Ticket Distribution
After registering, you must pick up your 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.
Ticket distribution will take place at:
Payne Whitney Gymnasium
70 Tower Pkwy, New Haven, CT 06511
Please see the distribution schedule below:
Tuesday, May 12 (Yale College Seniors only), 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 14, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 15, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Monday, May 18, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
To collect your guest tickets, please bring:
- Your student ID or valid photo ID
- Your registration confirmation email QR code
QR codes may be printed, shown in email, or presented as a screenshot.
Students will also have the option to designate an authorized ticket collector to pick up tickets on their behalf by adding that individual to their ticket registration.
An authorized ticket collector must meet the following requirements:
- Students must register their authorized ticket collector through Swoogo, the ticket request website. Please note, this option will be enabled closer to ticket distribution.
- Once registered, the authorized collector must present:
- A copy of the registration QR code
- Their own valid ID, which must match the information in our system