Guest FAQ

About

The OneMIT Commencement Ceremony will take place outdoors in Killian Court except in the case of severe weather. Please communicate this to your party: if it is rainy or cold, you may prefer to watch the webcast, which is open to all and does not require any log-in.

If you're concerned about being outside in the heat, you can always watch the webcast, which is open to all and does not require any log-in. 

In addition, on-campus, indoor viewing locations will be available during the School of Engineering & Schwarzman College of Computing Advanced Degree Ceremony, the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony, and the Undergraduate Ceremony. No tickets are required for the indoor viewing locations; seating is open. Locations will be posted in late May.

Arriving for Commencement

We recommend taking public transportation, a taxi, or a rideshare service (Uber, Lyft) to campus, as parking is extremely limited.

More information about the shuttles during Commencement can be found on the shuttles page.

Please ask your graduate to visit the Registrar’s graduation site and scroll down to the “What you need to do” section, third bullet point for more information.

Seating and tickets

A ticket is required for all those ages three (3) and older. Babies and children ages two (2) years and under do not need tickets.

  • All graduates participating in Commencement ceremonies are eligible to receive up to four (4) guest tickets for the OneMIT Ceremony in Killian Court.
  • Those receiving Bachelor’s degrees will be eligible to receive up to four (4) guest tickets for the Undergraduate Ceremony.
  • Ticketing information for Advanced Degree Ceremonies will be available in the School/College ceremony pages.
  • Tickets are electronic and will be released to participating candidates at the end of May.

A ticket is required for all those ages three (3) and older. Babies and children ages two (2) years and under do not need tickets.

Graduation ceremonies will be webcast. Webcasts are open to all and do not require any log-in.

In addition, on-campus, indoor viewing locations will be available during the School of Engineering & Schwarzman College of Computing Advanced Degree Ceremony, the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony, and the Undergraduate Ceremony. These venues are an excellent option for guests who either prefer to sit indoors or do not have tickets to enter the ceremony venue. No tickets are required for the indoor viewing locations; seating is open. Locations will be posted in late May.

There are no extra tickets available for the OneMIT Ceremony, Undergraduate Ceremony, or Advanced Degree Ceremonies. If you have more family members than tickets, we recommend checking with friends who may have tickets they do not expect to use. 

While the Institute encourages students to share unneeded tickets, graduates and guests are advised that no tickets to Commencement ceremonies at MIT may be bought or sold under any circumstances.

In addition, on-campus, indoor viewing locations will be available during the School of Engineering & Schwarzman College of Computing Advanced Degree Ceremony, the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony, and the Undergraduate Ceremony. These venues are an excellent option for guests who either prefer to sit indoors or do not have tickets to enter the ceremony venue. No tickets are required for the indoor viewing locations; seating is open. Locations will be posted in late May.

Accessibility services

To request seating in the Disabilities sections, please complete the online request form. Questions may be directed to Disability and Access Services at 617-253-1674 or email das-student@mit.edu.

The person with the disability does not have to sit alone. Your entire party may sit together in the Disabilities Section. All graduates receive the same number of tickets, regardless of section.

Yes, devices are available at event venues. Please see us there or call ahead 617-253-2808 if you have further questions. 

There is no standing allowed in the Disabilities sections, since that would obstruct the view of those unable to stand. Please consider this carefully as you determine whether these section are appropriate for your family.

If you think that your family member will need a wheelchair for the entire day, we recommend that you rent one. Please see services and resources listed on the Accessibility page for suggestions of wheelchair rental companies.

Service animals are always welcome at MIT. If you are requesting tickets for the Disabilities sections, it is helpful, though not essential, to let us know at that time that your family will be accompanied by a service animal. Reminder: no other pets of any size will be permitted inside the event venues.

We recommend first calling the accessible Cambridge Taxi program at 866-654-1003. Other area companies include: Ambassador Cab 617-492-1100, Checker Cab of Cambridge 617-497-9000, and Top/City Cab of Boston 617-536-5100.

Yes: please visit the campus accessibility map provided by the Department of Facilities.

First aid

Personnel from MIT’s Medical Department will staff a Medical Station. Graduates and guests requiring onsite first aid are welcome to visit as needed. Emergency and ambulance services will be on call and onsite and can be activated by any of the Commencement staff.

If you anticipate a need for local medical support during the graduation festivities, please contact the MIT Medical Department ahead of time to let us know how we can help (617) 253-7625.

Photos and webcast

Yes, graduates' photos will be taken at the Undergraduate Ceremony and the School/College Advanced Degree Ceremonies. The Order Photos page has more information.

Yes! There will be captioned webcasts of all ceremonies, with the videos available online after the events, as well.

Area services

For hotel information, please visit the Accommodations page.

Commencement guests and those new to Cambridge will also find it helpful to review MIT’s visitors pages. Campus maps may all be found there. 

Children

Yes, we have a lactation and infant changing tent in Killian Court.

Strollers must be left in the stroller corral. However, you may take the child to the seat in the stroller, then ask a guest services representative for help in removing the stroller once you are settled.