University Disability Resources is pleased to offer accessibility information for Commencement 2021.
Please note that Harvard Commencement 2021 will be held virtually this year and additional information can be found on the Commencement website.
The information contained on this website should be used in conjunction with the Commencement Office's website at www.commencement.harvard.edu and your school's commencement website. Updated information will be posted here as it becomes available.
Accessible seating and other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available by request in Tercentenary Theatre for Commencement Day. Accessible seating tickets are available for exchange on a first-come, first-served basis and will be distributed until all tickets are gone. In order to accommodate as many family members and friends with disabilities as possible in the reserved seating area, individuals with an accessible seating ticket will be permitted to have one companion accompany them into the accessible seating section. The companion must also have an accessible seating ticket. Harvard will make every effort to accommodate parents and guests without accessible seating tickets on Commencement Day; however, accessible seating is limited and advanced planning is strongly encouraged.
The accessible seating section is located adjacent to University Hall and will be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access. As a courtesy, on Commencement Day wheelchair runner assistance is provided from the gate to the guest's seat in Tercentenary Theatre. Guests are encouraged to arrive early on Commencement Day to avoid some of the crowding that usually takes place after 8:30 a.m. Gates open at 6:45 a.m. First aid stations and wheelchair-accessible restrooms will be located in Sever, Weld, and Thayer Halls.
<embed>Harvard University welcomes all guests on Commencement Day!
In Tercentenary Theater, accommodations for individuals with disabilities may include but are not limited to accessible seating, wheelchair loan, Assistive Listening Devices, American Sign Language, and alternate program formats, including Braille, large font and accessible digital files. Accommodations are available by request through the Harvard Alumni Association at alumni.harvard.edu/guest-accessibility-requests; please submit accommodation requests via this link prior to Friday, April 24.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early (gates open at 6:45 a.m.) and there will be staff at the entry gates to Harvard Yard providing courtesy wheelchair transportation for all guests from the gate to guest seating in Tercentenary Theater. First aid stations and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in Sever, Weld, and Thayer Halls in Harvard Yard. If you have questions about accommodations and the physical access provided for other commencement activities, please call the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) at 617-496-7001 or email haa_collegealumniprograms@harvard.edu.
Accessible Seating Details: The accessible seating section is located adjacent to University Hall and will be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access (a figure in a wheelchair). Once a request is made for accessible seating, graduating seniors will exchange their guest ticket(s) for an accessible seating ticket(s); exchange details will be provided via email once the request is made. One companion accessible seating ticket is available to each guest in the accessible section; however, when space is available, best efforts will be made to seat a limited number of additional guests (without accessible seating tickets) with the understanding that they may need to relocate if an accessible seating ticket holder needs the space.
<embed>Graduate and Professional schools manage their ticket exchanges locally at the school. Please find below a listing of school Commencement websites. If you are not sure of your school's Commencement Coordinator, please feel free to reach out to disabilityresources@harvard.edu and we would be happy to provide the direction.
Accessible seating tickets are available for exchange on a first-come, first-served basis and will be distributed until all tickets are gone. In order to accommodate as many family members and friends with disabilities as possible in the reserved seating area, individuals with an accessible seating ticket will be permitted to have one companion accompany them into the accessible seating section. The companion must also have an accessible seating ticket. The accessible seating section is located adjacent to University Hall and will be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access. Please see: 2019 Commencement Accessibility Map. As a courtesy, on Commencement Day wheelchair runner assistance is provided from the gate to the guest's seat in Tercentenary Theatre. Guests are encouraged to arrive early on Commencement Day to avoid some of the crowding that usually takes place after 8:30 a.m. Gates open at 6:45 a.m. First aid stations and wheelchair-accessible restrooms will be located in Sever, Weld, and Thayer Halls.
<embed>There are a number of medical equipment rental companies in the local area that can provide short term loans of walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters for a cost. Family and friends needing such wheeled mobility aids are strongly encouraged to reserve necessary equipment well in advance of coming to campus.
On Commencement Day, there will be staff at the entry gates to Harvard Yard providing courtesy wheelchair rides from the gate to the guest’s seat in Tercentenary Theater, either to general seating or accessible seating. No reservation is needed for the wheelchair runner service.
<embed>Commencement Accessibility Map:
2019 Commencement Accessibility Map: This map includes general accessibility information, including the locations of the video screens with captioning, accessible entry gates, ticketed accessible seating section, accessible toilet rooms, first aid stations, and the University Disability Resources Table.
Commencement Shuttle Map:
2019 Shuttle Map shows the location of the parking areas and shuttle routes across campus. The shuttles are accessible to guests using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. You can track shuttle service and get real time information on www.shuttle.harvard.edu. Guests with other shuttle questions can call 617-495-0400.
Longwood Campus:
Longwood Accessibility Map - a PDF map of accessible entrances, lifts, elevators, bathrooms, and circulation across the HMS, HSDM, and HSPH campuses.
Cambridge and Allston Campus:
Harvard University Online Campus Map - interactive map with information on accessible pathways and building entrances.
<embed>Accessible Parking - Accessible and Available to All
Accessible parking is available on both Class Day May and Commencement Day at the Harvard Stadium Athletics complex on North Harvard St. in Allston or at the Soldiers Field Park Garage on the Harvard Business School Campus, located at 111 Western Avenue in Allston. Please note that all parking is on first-come, first-served basis, and is in satellite parking areas. This parking will be available beginning at 6:30AM on Commencement Day.. Guests with further questions on accessibility parking needs or accommodation please send an email to disabilityresources@harvard.edu to discuss.
Shuttle Service - Accessible and Available to All
Shuttle Service will pick up in the above mentioned parking locations on Class Day May and Commencement Day. The routes then travel across campus every 10-15 minutes. The shuttles are accessible to guests using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. You can track shuttle service and get real time information on www.shuttle.harvard.edu. Guests with other shuttle questions can call 617-495-0400.
Van Service - By Request
Van Service may also be available by request for transportation to areas not served by the shuttle. Please send an email to disabilityresources@harvard.edu with information on your request if you are interested in exploring Van Service for your visit.
Please note public transportation,City of Cambridge parking, and public parking are not Harvard affiliated and Harvard is not responsible for availability or changes in service.
<embed>Hotel Accommodations: Many Metro Boston and Cambridge Hotels offer accessible lodging. The Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) maintains a List of Harvard Square Hotels. Family and friends needing accessible lodging are strongly encouraged to reserve accessible hotel rooms as far in advance as possible. Please note HSBA's harvardsquare.com is not Harvard affiliated and Harvard is not responsible for availability, accuracy, or changes in service.
