Commencement 2026

Commencement 2026 is on Thursday, May 28th, 2026

Congratulations, Seniors! This webpage summarizes Winthrop House's Commencement events and provides links to key information. It will be updated as we get closer to Commencement

For the most up-to-date information, go to the official Harvard Commencement page: https://commencement.harvard.edu/

The Harvard Alumni Office also provides information for seniors: https://alumni.harvard.edu/collegegrad

For guests with disabilities: https://commencement.harvard.edu/guests-disabilities. For additional requests for accommodations for guests or degree candidates please email the University Disability Resources office at disabilityresources@harvard.edu or call 617-495-1859.

If you have family or friends traveling internationally for Commencement, see https://www.hio.harvard.edu/inviting-friends for guidance.

Winthrop House Commencement Events

Winthrop House Senior Toast and Dinner

  • Saturday May 9, 4:30pm
  • A long-standing and beloved Winthrop tradition, the Senior Toast is a chance for all of us to raise our glasses and give toasts to the Winthrop Class of 2026! All are welcome (and encouraged!) to grab the microphone and give a toast. Immediately after the Senior Toast, we will have the Senior Dinner in the DHall, a plated, seated meal.
    • Sorry, no guests at dinner.
    • Suggested dress code: business casual

Winthrop House Senior BBQ

  • Friday May 22, 5pm-7pm
  • Beren Rooftop
    • A great chance to soak in the view and enjoy a casual and fun evening together, up in the Rooftop Room!
    • Suggested dress code: casual

Winthrop House Class of 2026 Reception

  • Wednesday May 27, 4:30-6:30pm
  • Gore Courtyard/Junior Common Room
    • For graduating Seniors and their loved ones! Tickets not required.
    • Suggested dress code: business casual

Commencement

  • Thursday May 28
  • 6:45am Champagne Breakfast, Kaneb Courtyard
    • Wear your regalia, bring your Harvard ID and lunch tickets for you and any family/guests
    • Wear comfortable shoes; you will be walking on grass and standing for a long time (until about 9:30am!)
    • If chance of rain or high humidity, avoid white or light-colored clothing underneath your regalia, as moisture can cause the robe’s dye to transfer onto garments.
    • Backpacks will not be allowed in the Yard; smaller bags will be inspected
    • To get into the Yard, you will need your Harvard ID in a special lanyard that will be given out at breakfast. If you plan to skip breakfast, you must get a lanyard from Paris at the Wednesday reception.  (You do not need to use one of your Commencement tickets for yourself.)
  • 7:30am Procession to Harvard Yard
  • 8:00am Senior Valediction in Philips Brooks House Association courtyard
    • This will be standing room only, except for just a few seats for people that can't stand for that amount of time.
  • 8:15am Line up in Old Yard
    • Look for the Winthrop sign
  • 8:50am Procession into Tercentenary Theatre
  • 9:30am Commencement Morning Exercises begins (the main, all-Harvard event)
  • ~12.15pm Morning Exercises conclude
  • 12:30pm Winthrop Luncheon and Diploma Ceremony
    • Luncheon will be in Kaneb Courtyard; take food and walk on Memorial Drive to Standish Courtyard or Gore Courtyard to sit and eat. Tickets required for luncheon (but not to view the Diploma Ceremony); additional luncheon tickets can be purchased in advance from the Senior Desk (info here) or online here or in Kaneb Courtyard at the luncheon (we strongly recommend you buy any extra lunch tickets in advance!)
    • If Luncheon or Ceremony plans change due to inclement or extreme weather, this page will be updated and email sent to all students participating in the Winthrop Diploma Ceremony.
    • Diploma Ceremony will start about 1:30pm, in Gore Courtyard. Seniors should be in regalia for the Ceremony.
    • The Diploma Ceremony to be recorded and live-streamed. The livestream is at https://youtube.com/live/w754TpoDSaI?feature=share.
    • Seniors will sit in specially-marked chairs at the back of the courtyard, in alphabetical order (chairs will be labeled).
    • We will have a professional photographer taking a photo of you crossing the “stage” and receiving your diploma.
    • Receiving your diploma:
      • Dean Remei will read names, and you will receive your diploma from Steve and Kiran, the Faculty Deans. By default, Steve and Kiran will shake your hand, but feel free to come in for a hug if you would like! If you prefer no contact, please place your hand on your heart as you walk towards them, so they know not to shake your hand.
      • After you exit the “stage”, please make your way back to your seat.
      • Note: for those that have completed your degree requirements, the envelope will contain your real diploma. Treat it carefully!
    • If your guests are bringing balloons, etc., they will need to be at the back of Gore Courtyard to not obstruct others’ view during the ceremony.
  • 3:30pm (approximately) Winthrop Diploma Ceremony finished
Winthrop House Commencement Luncheon and Diploma Ceremony Map