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.
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.
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.
Location:
Payne Whitney Gymnasium
70 Tower Parkway
New Haven, Connecticut, 06511
Distribution Schedule:
- 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.
What to Bring:
- Your student ID or valid photo ID
- Your registration confirmation QR code (printed, on your phone, or as a screenshot)
You can view your registration profile and access your QR code by signing in at https://yaleuniversitylife.swoogo.com/commencement2026/sign-in. Once signed in, click “View Registration” in the navigation bar to access your QR code.
Please note: There will be no on-site registrations or ticket modifications available at distribution. We strongly encourage emailing university.events@yale.edu with any inquiries before arriving.
Authorized Ticket Pick-Up:
If you are unable to pick up your tickets, you may designate an authorized ticket collector through the registration system.
Authorized collectors must:
- Be registered in advance as your “authorized ticket collector” through Swoogo.
- Present a copy of your QR code
- Show their own valid ID matching the registration details
To register an authorized ticket collector, please sign in to your account at https://yaleuniversitylife.swoogo.com/commencement2026/sign-in. Once signed in, click “View Registration” in the navigation bar to access your registration profile. At the bottom of the page, select “Add Authorized Ticket Collector.”
We encourage you to plan ahead to ensure tickets are picked up before the deadline so you and your guests can enjoy Commencement celebrations without disruption.