Graduates FAQ

About Commencement

The full schedule of 2024 MIT graduation ceremonies is on the Schedule page.

Degree candidates are eligible to attend the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony (for graduates of all programs in all Schools and the College) AND a degree ceremony. Undergraduates cross the stage on Friday, May 31. Recipients of advanced degrees cross the stage at their School/College degree ceremonies, which take place between May 29—31.

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

If your guests are concerned about being outside in the heat, they 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 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.

Participation

Please visit these pages again in late May 2024 for the most up-to-date security information.

There is no graduation rehearsal. Instructions on when, where, and how to report for each ceremony will be emailed to degree candidates directly.

For information on how to obtain a letter of invitation so your family can get visas to visit the US for graduation, please visit the Registrar’s graduation site and scroll down to the “What you need to do” section, third bullet point.

Tickets and photos

Participating degree candidates are eligible for four (4) guest tickets to the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony. Participating Bachelor’s degree candidates are eligible for four (4) guest tickets for the Undergraduate Ceremony. Guest ticket information for the Advanced Degree Ceremonies will be found on the individual School/College ceremony pages.

Tickets are electronic and will be released to participating candidates at the end of May.

Note: Tickets for MIT Commencement ceremonies may not be bought or sold under any circumstances.

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

As your guest exits the venue, the electronic ticket will be scanned out. When the guest returns, the same ticket may be presented to be scanned back in.

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 tickets to MIT ceremonies may not be bought or sold under any circumstances, we encourage graduating students to share with one another. All tickets are electronic and transferable.

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.

Finally, all ceremonies will be webcast. Further details will be available in May.

Graduation ceremonies will be 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 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.

Visit the GradImages website to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more.

Pre-register for your graduation photos (until 11:59 p.m. the night before your ceremony) to save 20% on orders of $50 or more.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, on their website, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

*MIT Sloan advanced degree candidates: please consult your program managers for details on ordering photos from your ceremonies.

Yes! You can pre-register for your photo order. And there's even a discount if you do.

Pre-register for your graduation photos (until 11:59 p.m. the night before your ceremony) to save 20% on orders of $50 or more.

Regalia

All graduates participating in the 2024 MIT Commencement ceremonies MUST wear regalia and MUST use the Commencement section of the MIT Atlas app on a desktop or mobile device to indicate whether they will be ordering it from the MIT Coop. Before indicating your regalia plan, make sure you have the latest version of the MIT Atlas app installed on your desktop or mobile device. The MIT App Store has links to download or update the app from the Apple, Google, and Windows app stores. Questions about the MIT Atlas app should be directed to atlas-app@mit.edu. The last day to place or cancel a regalia order is Monday, May 6.

There is one exception to the regalia requirement: those who are receiving advanced degrees and are in active military service may wear the prescribed dress uniform instead of academic regalia.

PhD/ScD candidates, please note that you do not need to order your Doctoral hood with the rest of the regalia; it will be presented to you at your School/College ceremony.

Because you will be walking around campus, it's always wise to dress for the outdoor conditions and the need to walk on pavement and grass. The OneMIT, Undergraduate, and School of Engineering/College of Computing Ceremonies will be held OUTSIDE (except in the case of severe weather).

In case of rain, we recommend not unwrapping and putting on your regalia until you arrive at your ceremony’s assembly area: if necessary, you will be given a poncho to wear over your clothing and under your regalia. This is best accomplished if your gown is clean and dry to start.

Yes. Undergrad ROTC candidates must wear cap and gown for Commencement. Only active service members who are receiving advanced degrees may wear the prescribed dress uniform.

Doctoral candidates will be given their academic hoods by MIT—it is not necessary to order the hood with the rest of the regalia. Please remain alert to these pages and to notifications regarding arrangements for the Advanced Degree Ceremony in your area.

There are no guest hooders at MIT Commencement. The department head or their designated representative presents hoods at advanced degree ceremonies.

You should wear Master’s regalia. The MIT Atlas app will present you with the option to order the appropriate regalia for your highest degree.

Yes. Here is a picture of the different types of regalia for MIT graduates. Note that the sleeves of the Master's gown are longer than those of the Bachelor's gown. When ordering through the MIT Coop, all gowns come with caps and 2024 tassels.

Four different types of regalia: bachelor's, master's, P H D black, and P H D red scarlet faille

The Oak Hall website has pictures of all available country stoles.

No, MIT does not have an official stole for graduates. Students can choose to purchase international stoles, while some departments and campus organizations provide stoles (or cords) directly to graduates.

A tassel will be made available to you when lining up for Commencement.

Accessibility

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 sections. 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. 

That is fine! And thank you for considering your needs carefully.

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

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.

Diplomas

Undergraduate and Sloan advanced degree recipients will receive their diplomas at their respective ceremonies.

All other advanced degree recipients may pick up their diplomas in the Stata Center, room 32-124, during the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, May 30: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Friday, May 31: 10 am to 3 pm

Note that your MIT ID is required to pick up your diploma and you must pick it up yourself; a relative or friend cannot pick it up for you.

You are also encouraged to bring your diploma case WITH YOU for pick-up: while not required, this will allow you to place the paper within right away.

More details about diplomas – paper and digital – are available on the Registrar’s Office website.

All graduating students are eligible to receive a digital version of their diploma at no cost. Look out for an email from the Registrar’s Office inviting you to download the Blockcerts Wallet app on your mobile device and add MIT as an issuer. You must complete these steps before Thursday, May 30 to ensure that you receive your digital diploma for Commencement. Learn more about digital diplomas.

Please also note that digital diplomas are not a replacement for MIT’s traditional paper diploma. Everyone will also receive a physical diploma.

View custom frame options for your MIT diploma at the Church Hill Classics website and visit The MIT Coop at Kendall Square to place an order.

Receptions

Yes! Some departments, labs, and centers hold receptions and special celebrations during Commencement week. The comprehensive full list of receptions can be found on the Receptions page