Commencement

Harvard Commencement

Harvard University Commencement in June is a time-honored tradition. Graduates of Extension School degree programs and other Harvard schools attend ceremonies throughout the day and receive their diplomas. Experience the day in our slideshow below.

 

Photos by Jeffry Pike

Harvard Extension School’s Commencement Tradition

Since awarding its first degree in 1913, Harvard Extension School has awarded more than 12,000 degrees and certificates to students who have passed through its gates.

Every year, graduates of Extension School degree programs begin the morning with a procession to Harvard Yard, where they join other Harvard graduates for the morning exercises, during which President Drew Faust and the dean of each school ceremonially confer degrees. At the degree and certificate awarding ceremonies in the afternoon, the Extension School awards the bachelor’s and master’s degrees and graduate certificates, and numerous academic prizes. In the late afternoon, all Harvard graduates return to Harvard Yard for alumni speeches and the keynote address.