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Top Tips for NYU Stern’s Graduate Convocation

Read these tips carefully to ensure a smooth graduation ceremony on Friday, May 15 at the Infosys 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 15. Name cards will be distributed by Stern administrators from KMC 10-160; see distribution schedule. Please don’t fold your name card. The QR code on your name card will be scanned right before you cross the stage, prompting a graphic and announcement inside the theater.
  • Digital tickets are required for all candidates and their guests. Be sure to download and distribute your e-tickets in advance. Remember, one (1) electronic ticket must be retained by the graduate for access to the venue on May 15. 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. Graduates may access and manage their tickets by visiting the MSG Ticketmaster Account Manager at am.ticketmaster.com/msg (be sure to login using your netID@stern.nyu.edu address). You can also transfer your tickets to guests via the MSG Ticketmaster Account Manager. Tickets will not appear on the Ticketmaster app or on Ticketmaster.com. All event tickets will be general admission (no assigned seats), so please disregard assigned seat numbers on the e-ticket. Screenshots of tickets cannot be used to gain entry.
  • 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.
  • 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 MSG's prohibited items.

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 steaming your gown in advance to avoid wrinkles on the big day!

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 by program 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. To ensure graduates are seated in a timely manner, do not save seats.
  • 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 7:30pm so you don’t miss out! There’s a big surprise at the end of the ceremony, so make your dinner reservations for after 7:30pm.
  • 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 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 15.