Schedule of Events

Subject to change, check back regularly. Graduating students will be notified of changes via email throughout spring 2026, if needed.

A PDF COPY OF THE SCHEDULE AND MORE information ON
Planning for Commencement CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE.

Thursday
May 14

2:00 - 4:00 PM
Graduation Rehearsal

Sterling Divinity Quadrangle

All graduating students are required to attend.

4:00 - 5:00 PM
Welcome to the YDS Alumni Community Reception

Old Refectory

Graduates only event.

Saturday
May 16

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Andover Newton Seminary Graduation Celebration

Old Common Room & Marquand Chapel

9:30 a.m. Breakfast; Worship Service begins at 10:45 a.m. in Marquand Chapel

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Certificate Programs Lunch & Awards Presentation

Old Refectory

  • Black Church Studies Certificate
  • Certificate in Ecological Leadership & Ministry
  • Lutheran Studies Certificate
  • Public Theology and Public Policy Certificate
  • Reformed Studies Certificate
  • Roman Catholic Lay Ministerial Certificate
  • United Methodist Certificate

Families welcome; registration required. Ticket sales open in Spring 2026.

4:00 - 7:00 PM
Berkeley Divinity School
Commencement Evensong and Reception

Marquand Chapel

5:15 p.m. | Reception to follow at the Berkeley Center (363 Saint Ronan St.)

Sunday
May 17

4:00 PM
Commencement Worship

Sterling Divinity Quadrangle

3:45 PM Faculty and graduates gather on Quad outside chapel for procession.

5:00 PM
Reception Following Worship

Bauer Hall (Living Village) Plaza and Campbell Family Terrace

Refreshments provided, students and guests welcome.

6:30 -9:00 PM
ISM Commencement Banquet

Old Refectory

Invite only for graduating ISM students and guests. More information provided to ISM students from ISM administration in Spring 2026.

Monday
May 18

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Tea and coffee service

Croll Family Entrance Hall, Yale Divinity School
For the convenience of graduates and guests as you arrive to campus and robe in your regalia.

8:45 - 11:30 AM approx.
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT EXCERCISES

8:45 AM
Graduates To Gather

Bauer Hall Plaza (Living Village)

9:15 a.m. approx. Procession begins down to Cross Campus
9:45 a.m. approx. Procession arrives at Cross Campus.
10:15 a.m. approx Academic procession  into Old Campus seating area

10:30 AM
University Commencement Ceremony begins

Old Campus

11:45 a.m. approx. University ceremony ends. Graduates and families should make their way back up to Yale Divinity School for the Diploma Ceremony. It takes roughly 30-40 minutes to walk back to YDS.

12:45 - 4:00 PM
YALE DIVINITY DIPLOMA CEREMONY & RECEPTION

12:25 - 12:45 PM 
Students Gather on Quad for Procession

Quadrangle Front Gate

12:45 p.m. Processional begins for graduates; YDS Diploma Ceremony begins
1:45 p.m. Recessional begins; YDS Diploma Ceremony ends

1:45 PM
Yale Divinity School Commencement Reception

Sterling Divinity Quadrangle

Summer-style luncheon provided, graduates and guests welcome.