Top Tips for NYU Stern’s MS Convocation
Read these carefully to ensure a smooth graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 14 at New York City Center (NYCC):
What to Bring:
- Your cap & gown! To pass through New York City Center 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.
- Paper tickets are required for all candidates and their guests. Remember, you and your guests each need a paper ticket for entry, and graduates will enter the venue separately from their guests. All tickets are general admission. Note: The venue requires that infants and small children have their own ticket, even if they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.
- ID: Remember to pack your university ID card or a government-issued ID.
- Pack Light! New York City Center asks all guests to arrive early and travel light. Any luggage brought into the theater will need to be checked at coat check. The venue cannot accommodate bags larger than a carry-on.
- Charge up! Don’t forget to bring your charged mobile devices.
- Prohibited items: Signs, banners, flags, noisemakers, balloons, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and oversized bags are not permitted inside the venue. Read the venue’s policies carefully.
Attire Hacks:
- Tassels on left: For Master’s degrees, 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 the venue early at 1:45pm for special announcements at West 55th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. Doors open for guests at 2:15pm (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 NYCC from different locations so make sure to have a meeting spot outside of the venue to reunite with family and friends. NYCC does not permit re-entry.
- Plan for dinner after 5:30pm so you don’t miss out! There’s a big surprise at the end of the ceremony, so make your dinner reservations for after 5:30pm.
- 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 NYCC’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 3:00pm ET on May 14. A link to the livesteam will be available in May.