The MBA Program joyfully anticipates the annual Harvard Commencement exercises in late May each year. All students are encouraged to attend, and the MBA Program is happy to assist students as appropriate to provide a memorable day for the students and their guests.

Please note the following general policies:

  • Though Harvard confers degrees on four separate dates throughout the academic year (November, February, March, and May), formal commencement exercises only take place in May. Only those students who have completed all degree requirements in the preceding academic year may participate in the May exercises and walk across the stage during the ceremony.
  • HBS defaults to printing a student's legal name on the diploma; please email the Registrar’s Office (registrar@hbs.edu) to request that a different name be printed.
  • Tickets for events are distributed one week leading up to Commencement. Only those students who have completed all administrative requirements (e.g., term bill payment, completion of required surveys, etc.) are permitted to collect tickets.
  • Diplomas are distributed as a student crosses the stage; they cannot be given to a student ahead of time. Only students with full administrative clearance will receive the diploma.
  • If a student cannot attend the ceremony, the Registrar’s Office will separately be in touch to discuss the best method to safely deliver the student’s diploma.

Students needing special documentation confirming their degree and/or completion of degree requirements should email the Registrar’s Office (registrar@hbs.edu) for assistance.