Dear Harvard Chan School Students,
As we move closer to Commencement, I wanted to share with you information regarding Commencement regalia and University policies for participation in graduation ceremonies, in response to recent questions.
It is a University policy that students wishing to participate in the morning ceremonies at Harvard’s Tercentenary Theater in Harvard Yard on Thursday, May 25 must wear regalia and it is a policy we have extended to the Harvard Chan School Convocation held on Wednesday, May 24. The tradition of academic regalia and its use in American graduation ceremonies dates back well more than a century.
As a result of this requirement many of you have expressed concern about the regalia rental cost. We are committed to helping support students who face a genuine economic hardship to have access to caps and gowns. Thus, we have created a process to subsidize the cost for students for whom the rental cost of the regalia presents a financial hardship.
Please be mindful that the support we provide for students who experience economic hardship comes from the Hardship Fund, which is used to cover a wide variety of expenses for students who face dire and unexpected financial circumstances. While we are doing what we can to ensure all students can participate in graduation without regard to personal finances, it is important to understand that we have limited funds.
If you would like to request assistance for your academic regalia please complete and submit the Regalia Rental Hardship Application by March 31, 2023.
Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns. Warm regards,
Maritza Hernandez, Associate Dean for Student Services
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