Welcome, families and friends!

The Commencement Guest Services Team is always out in Killian Court to help make your day as joyous and memorable as possible. We roam the court all day, helping people settle in and ensuring that all of our guests are as comfortable as can be.

Killian Court in June is a beautiful setting for the Commencement ceremony, with the Great Dome in the background and wonderful landscaping and decorations. However, it is also very flat, which makes it difficult to take photos without blocking other guests' views. We highly recommend the purchase of professional photos of your graduate receiving his or her diploma. This will allow you to enjoy the ceremony without worrying about missing your photo opportunity or blocking the view of other guests. We keep the stage decorated for about an hour after the ceremony; many families take personal photographs at that point, taking advantage of access to the stage.

Webcast

Do you know special people who can't be with us on Commencement Day? Tell them to watch our webcast. The ceremony is broadcast live and will be available online afterward.

Security

Metal detectors will be in place at the entrance to Killian Court. It will be helpful to discuss security measures with the members of your party ahead of time so everyone knows what to expect. Please consider the appearance of some objects, and leave anything that could be perceived as dangerous at home or in your hotel room. Backpacks, large bags, large objects, wrapped gifts, pocketknives or similar sharp objects, and all bottles or beverage containers are prohibited. Diaper bags and purses are permitted, but please note that all items taken into the court are subject to search, and that MIT will not accept responsibility for storing items that are not permitted inside the venue. If you are carrying electronics, you will be required to open and turn them on to demonstrate their use. Guests are advised to carry government-issued photo ID with them to campus. Acceptable forms of ID are driver's licenses, state ID cards, or passports.

The pages in this section of the website are loaded with useful information about what to expect on Commencement weekend. If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact commencement@mit.edu. Or you can ask us at Commencement — we will be wearing the red and blue vests.

We look forward to seeing you soon!