Preparing for Commencement
It can feel like there's a lot to do before the big day on May 20.
This page is your guide to making sure you've done everything you need to do before the celebration begins!
This page is your guide to making sure you've done everything you need to do before the celebration begins!
Regalia ordering for Commencement 2024 has now closed. Please contact Yale Associated Student Agencies if you have questions about your order.
To read more on how to order and to begin your ordering process, click here: https://asa.yale.edu/agencies/caps-gowns
The deadline to order closed on April 10.
Ordering and distribution is carried out not by YDS/OSA, but by Yale Associated Student Agencies.
The deadline to change your diploma name has now passed (April 8).
Questions under this section should be directed to the Registrar's Office. OSA cannot help with Yale Hub troubleshooting, or your diploma name change. We recommend that even if you are not planning to change your name on the diploma, you still login and check your name is correctly displayed!
Need that extra help making sure you're all set to graduate academically? Our friends in the Registrar's Office have created a checklist guide to make sure you have done all that you need to do to be on track for graduation!
For the Yale University Ceremony downtown at Old Campus, please refer here for more information on accessibility services.
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Accessibility and accommodations for the YDS Diploma Ceremony are made on as needed basis. Please contact osa.yds@yale.edu should you require assistance or further information.
All graduating students are required to register for Commencement. Even if you are not attending your Commencement, we require information to assist in the planning of this major event in the school year!
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Registration is completed via this link: https://cglink.me/2dA/r2261440
You must register by April 26, 5:00 p.m.
Only graduating students register. Families and guests do not need to register their attendance; the graduating student provides details about their guests in the registration process.
Visit the Office of International Student and Scholars (OISS) webpage for more information regarding support of temporary travel visas to visit the USA for Commencement activities.
Depending on which country you are travelling from, there may be delays in processing a visa. Do not delay on starting this process.
Review the information on Yale University's main Commencement website.
HOTELS | TRANSPORTATION | FAQs
Commencement Day occurs rain or shine, so you and your guests should dress according to the weather forecast; sensible shoes are recommended for uneven/slippery ground.
We provide ponchos in the event of rain (branded too!)
Should severe weather occur (such as lightning, thunderstorms etc.) the ceremony is moved inside and split into two parts; MDiv and MAR. Should this be the case, you will receive an email from us, and staff will be onsite to announce this to you and your guests.
It is expected that all graduating YDS students attend the ceremonies on May 20 with their peers. If you have questions, or need to discuss missing either/both ceremonies, please email osa.yds@yale.edu.
We recommend wearing business or business casual attire with comfortable shoes beneath your graduation regalia. Dress according to weather report (heat, rain, etc.)
Distribution is at Payne Whitney Gym - bring your ID card. Check the Yale University Commencement website for more information on pickup instructions.
You can obtain a visa letter from the Registrar's Office of the Yale Divinity School.
Yes! YDS provides a shuttle bus on Commencement Day for families and guests to shuttle from the YDS Campus (409 Prospect St.) to the Yale Ceremony held at Old Campus on the morning of May 22. The shuttle bus drops people off at Phelp's Gate (the main entrance to the downtown ceremony.)
The shuttle bus starts at 8:00 AM and runs until 12:45 PM.
This shuttle also runs after the downtown ceremony to help get people back up to YDS in time for our afternoon ceremony on the YDS campus. (the YDS Diploma Ceremony starts at 12:45 PM.) You can view the map below!
The shuttle bus is marked with a "Divinity" sign in the window.