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.

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 negotiated a discounted rate at the Courtyard Washington DC/ Foggy Bottom for $399 USD per night. The rate is available from May 18th- May 20th. The deadline to book your room is Monday, April 28th, 2025. Reservation can be booked here or by Marriott Reservations at 800-321-2211.

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

All graduates are invited to attend the Hopkins in DC Grad Fair on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, this would be graduates opportunity to pick up regalia and tickets.

The Grad Fair provides graduates with the opportunity to complete multiple graduations steps at once.

Grad Fair Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 10:00am-7:00pm

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. 

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.  

Infants and small children in the lap will not be required to have a ticket. A ticket is only necessary if the child requires their own seat.

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.