Commencement and Class Day

Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a virtual event for Harvard University’s 369th Commencement will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2020 and we plan to host an in-person celebration sometime later (read more).

For HMS and HSDM, Commencement and Class Day exercises will be held virtually instead of in-person to ensure the health and safety of our community during the pandemic

General Information

Visit the Commencement Office website for more information, including Frequently Asked Questions about Harvard 2020 Commencement activities.

  • Update on Commencement and Class Day

    Dean George Q. Daley and Interim Dean Vicki Rosen
    March 20

    Dear Members of the HMS and HSDM Community:
     
    Celebrating our new graduates is something we look forward to every year. This is what makes Harvard University President Larry Bacow’s announcement today so difficult: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University’s Commencement exercises will be held virtually, with an in-person ceremony to be scheduled for a future date when it is safe for people to gather in person again.
     
    For HMS and HSDM, Commencement and Class Day exercises will be held virtually instead of in-person to ensure the health and safety of our community during the pandemic. In addition, alumni reunions will be canceled.
     
    We know this news is extremely disappointing for everyone, most notably our 2020 medical, dental, master’s, PhD and DMSc graduates and their families and friends who look forward to celebrating their accomplishments. However, we are sure you will agree that this is the right decision to help reduce the spread and impact of the disease and, most important, reduce the risk to those who are most vulnerable. Speaking as scientists and health care professionals, and on behalf of our eager graduates who are poised to shape the future of research and health care, we know it is imperative that we take these steps for the good of all.
     
    In accordance with this decision, our master’s graduation ceremony on May 27, HMS and HSDM Class Day on May 28 and the Division of Medical Sciences hooding ceremony on May 28 will all be held virtually and diplomas will be mailed to graduates. Planning is already underway for these celebrations, and we are committed to making them special and memorable for our graduates and their loved ones. We look forward to sharing more details with you soon as we solidify our plans.
     
    This is an unprecedented time. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and for your continued commitment to our community. We will get through this. Though apart, we will come together, like never before.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    George Q. Daley
    Dean, Harvard Medical School
     
    Vicki Rosen
    Interim Dean, Harvard School of Dental Medicine