Frequently Asked Questions

Howard University’s 157th Commencement Convocation is Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. on the The Yard (Upper Quadrangle) of Howard’s main campus.

Gates to The Yard open at 7 a.m. All individuals must be seated by 9:30 a.m. No access will be allowed on The Yard after 9:45 a.m. There is no reentry.

The orator for Howard’s Commencement is LeVar Burton, who will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Howard also will recognize honorary degree recipients Emery N. Brown, M.D., Ph.D., the Honorable Barbara Lee, the Honorable Lilian Seenoi Barr and Natasha Trethewey. 

Get more information on Howard's Commencement.

Seats for ticketed guests will be available on The Yard on a first-come, first-served basis. When seating on The Yard reaches capacity, guests will be directed to overflow areas on campus, including Cramton Auditorium, Burr Gymnasium, and Greene Stadium.

The Commencement exercises and the individual ceremonies for schools and colleges will be livestreamed. Get more information on the livestream page. 

Yes. Interpreters will be on stage for all Commencement ceremonies.

Using the Metro or rideshare is the best way to travel to the campus as parking is very limited and traffic will be heavy because of street closures.

The nearest Metro stations to the campus are Shaw-Howard University, U Street-African American Civil War Memorial, and Georgia Ave-Petworth. These stations are on the Green Line.

For rideshare, the suggested drop-off point is the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street, NW.

Driving and parking are not suggested. Using the Metro or rideshare is the best way to travel to the campus, as parking is very limited, and traffic will be heavy because of street closures. Get more information on paid parking.

Yes, shuttle service will be available on Commencement Day.

Get more information on parking, street closures and shuttle service.

Yes. Accessible seating for guests with varying abilities will be available on The Yard. Guests requiring accessible seating should enter Gate 1, which serves as the designated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) entrance. Only guests with ADA tickets will be permitted entry through this gate and escorted to the appropriate seating areas. Once The Yard reaches capacity, guests with ADA tickets will be directed to accessible seating in designated overflow locations, including Cramton Auditorium, Burr Gymnasium and Greene Stadium.

The designated accessibility entrance is Gate 1, located at the intersection of Sixth Street NW and Howard Place NW, at the main entrance of the campus.

Bags that measure no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ are permitted and will be subject to visual screening depending on the size of the bag. Clear bags no larger than a fanny pack are allowed. Medical bags and baby bags will be permitted and must be screened before entry. 

Get more information on the University’s clear bag policy and prohibited items.

Commencement is one of the most important events of the year for Howard University where we honor and applaud the achievement and successes of our graduates. Guests are expected to respect this time-honored tradition. Visibly obscene, indecent or inappropriate clothing will be prohibited.

Free water stations will be available at designated locations on the campus for students, family and guests. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. No outside food or beverages will be allowed on campus.

Restrooms for commencement are located outside in front of the Armour J. Blackburn University Center and Founders Library near The Yard. ADA restrooms are located outside in front of Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.

Commencement will occur rain or shine. You may want to pack a small poncho, as umbrellas are not allowed on The Yard should there be rain on Commencement Day. 

No. Umbrellas are not allowed on The Yard, rain or shine.

Yes. The medical tent will be located on The Yard next to Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall. Medical areas also will be in each of the overflow areas—Cramton Auditorium, Burr Gymnasium and Greene Stadium.

In the event of an emergency call 911 or (202) 806-7777.

The Department of Public Safety works in partnership with the university community to enhance the safety and quality of life for students, faculty, staff and visitors through effective law enforcement and proactive crime prevention efforts.