Frequently Asked Questions

The SAIS Commencement Ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. ET on Monday, May 19th, at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Visit the SAIS Commencement homepage and continue to monitor your Johns Hopkins email for updates up to the ceremony day. Information will come from both the SEAM and SAIS Commencement Team via email.

Tickets are required for all guests who plan to attend the ceremony. Graduates participating in the ceremony do not require a ticket.

There are two tickets available: general admission and accessible seating. Guests who require accessible seating may be accompanied by one additional adult.

Each graduate will be sent a unique link from Tassel. More information is coming soon.

Each graduate is required to wear appropriate regalia (cap and gown) or military uniform to participate in the school-specific and university wide ceremonies. In addition, the following accessories have been approved:

• HNC Pin
• Kente Stole
• Laurel wreath
• Military Cord
• Public Service Fellows Cord (Teal)
• SGA Stole
• Space Force Cord (Purple)

Family and friends from abroad who wish to visit and/or attend JHU international students’ graduation ceremonies may apply for a B-2 visa from the United States consulate nearest to the place of their residence. Students needing assistance should request a letter, specifying the name and relationship of each guest.

SAIS arranged a block of rooms at the Courtyard Washington DC/Foggy Bottom for May 18th–May 20th. Please note that the deadline to book at the discounted rate has passed. However, you may still reserve rooms by calling Marriott Reservations at 800-321-2211. Availability may be limited, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.

This event will be livestreamed. The link will be available closer to the event date.

It is recommended that you leave personal items at home or at your accommodation. All bags and purses may be searched upon entry, and restrictions are as follows:

• Bags and purses larger than 13” x 15”, including backpacks and luggage, are not permitted. Diaper bags are permitted. 

• Please plan to have your large bags or luggage stored at your hotel/accommodation if you need to check out before the ceremony. Bags that do not meet the requirements will not be permitted into the building and a bag check will not be provided. 

• Strollers are permitted inside the building and will remain in the lobby. 

• Balloons, posters, signs, wrapped gifts and flowers are not permitted.  

• Umbrellas are not permitted inside the hall and will remain in the lobby. 

• Guests are permitted to bring an unopened water bottle. No other food and beverage is permitted unless medically necessary or for small children. 

• Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes, inside the building. 

• Pets are not permitted except for Service Dogs.

Metered street parking is available but very limited. Monday through Saturday, two-hour parking is enforced from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for most meters.

There are parking garages located in the area on New York and Pennsylvania Avenues and 17th and 18th Streets.

The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Class of 2025 Graduation Toast and Reception will be held immediately after the Commencement Ceremony, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET on Monday, May 19th, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. 

Tickets are required for graduates, faculty, staff and guests. 

Government issued ID’s are required to be served alcohol.

Tickets are required. All SAIS graduates are invited to attend the Grad Fair for regalia and ticket distribution.

Each graduate will receive up to five tickets, which includes one for themselves and four for guests.

Yes, tickets are required for the graduate.

No, tickets must be secured prior to the day of the reception.

Yes, there is a parking garage available on site. Visit here for more information on rates and directions.

Yes, it's approximately 0.6 miles away for about a 15-minute walk.

No, there are sperate ticket types for the ceremony and reception.

Children are allowed at the event. A ticket is required for children over 2 years old.

Tickets are required for all guests who plan to attend the ceremony. Graduates participating in the ceremony does not require a ticket.

Each graduate who indicated participation in the ceremony will receive up to four tickets for their guest to attend. Graduates will be able to claim their tickets during the Grad Fair. 

Graduates will need to indicate in Tassel the number of tickets they require for the commencement ceremony.

There are two types of tickets available: general admission and accessible seating. Guests who require accessible seating may be accompanied by one additional adult ticket holder.  

A ticket is required for children over the age of 2 years old.

Tickets are issued to each graduate and cannot be picked up by a friend or fellow classmate. 

Graduates who indicated their intent to participate and are unable to attend the Grad Fair will receive information on alternative pickup hours and locations. 

Tickets will not be replaced or reissued. 

The venue will only accept the original physical copy of tickets. Photocopies are not allowed, and entry will not be granted.  

Tickets will not be available on graduation day. Graduates should secure tickets ahead of graduation day.