Top Tips for NYU Stern’s MBA and PhD Convocation
Read these tips carefully to ensure a smooth graduation ceremony on Friday, May 16 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden (MSG):
What to Bring:
- Your cap & gown! To pass through MSG security, graduates must carry their academic attire. Graduates who are wearing their cap and gown will be asked to remove it briefly upon entry.
- Your name card: Each graduate’s name card will be required to cross the stage on May 16. Name cards will be distributed by Stern administrators from KMC 10-165; see distribution schedule.
- Digital tickets are required for all candidates and their guests. Be sure to download and distribute your e-tickets in advance (watch your Stern email for instructions in early May). Remember, one (1) electronic ticket must be retained by the graduate for access to the venue on May 16. All tickets are general admission. Note: Children under 2 years old may attend without their own ticket, but they must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap and may not occupy their own seat.
- ID: Remember to pack your university ID card or a government-issued ID.
- Pack light! MSG does not have an area to check bags, and oversized bags are not allowed. Strollers are permitted, but they must be collapsible and able to fit under your seat. Read MSG’s list of prohibited items carefully.
- Charge up! Don’t forget to bring your charged mobile devices.
- Prohibited items: Signs, banners, flags, noisemakers, balloons, video cameras, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, audio recording devices, professional cameras (those including telephoto or zoom lenses), and oversized bags are not permitted inside the Theater. Please review the full list of prohibited items on the venue’s FAQ page.
Attire Hacks:
- Tassels on left: For Master’s and Doctoral candidates, the tassel starts on the left side and remains there throughout the ceremony.
- Pro tip: Bring a safety pin or use the button of your shirt to help the hood lie properly over your gown.
- Footwear alert: The stairs on and off stage at graduation can be tricky to navigate. Wear some practical shoes.
- Consider masking up. In the NYU community, masks are always welcome.
Where & When
- Entry times & location: Graduates enter MSG early at 2:15pm for special announcements at Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets. Doors open for guests at 2:45pm (same entrance).
- No assigned seats: Graduates are seated together closest to the stage and will be recognized individually on stage, returning to the same row but not necessarily the same seat. So bring only what you can fit in your pockets or in a small bag under your gown. Guest seating is also general admission.
- Pick a meet-up spot outside: Graduates and guests exit MSG from different locations so make sure to have a meeting spot outside of the venue to reunite with family and friends. MSG does not permit re-entry.
- Plan for dinner after 7pm so you don’t miss out! There’s a big surprise at the end of the ceremony, so make your dinner reservations for after 7:00pm.
- Accessibility: If one of your guests needs accessibility services onsite — for example, wheelchair accessible seating or access to sign language interpreters — please see a guest experience representative upon arrival AND please email GraduateConvocation@stern.nyu.edu ahead of time with your requests.
- Parking & transportation: Please visit MSG’s website for more information about nearby parking and local transportation.
- Livestream available! Those who are not able to join our in-person ceremony are welcome to tune in live at 3:30pm ET on May 16. A link to the livesteam will be available in May.