Convocation Logistics
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, we will celebrate Convocation with over 900 JD, LLM, MS, and JSD graduates in two separate ceremonies at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. It is important that you review the following instructions to understand how the day will proceed and to familiarize yourself with your role. Your cooperation will help ensure that this day is special for everyone involved.
Registering and Guest Tickets
Graduating students can register to attend Convocation through Tassel by using their NYU email. Graduates should check their NYU email for a unique link email to register. Each graduate can bring up to eight (8) guests and can select the number of tickets they need while completing the registration form. Graduates will also be able to indicate whether they or any of their guests require ADA assistance.
Guests with Limited Mobility
If your guests require limited mobility seating, please tell your guests to enter Madison Square Garden through the main entrance, where there will be a separate line for limited mobility guests. Doors will open for guests with limited mobility seating tickets one hour and 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Guests participating in the Legacy Hooding
If you indicated that an alumni family member will be participating in the ceremony, all your guests, including the alumni hooder, should proceed to the Legacy section of the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. Please note that the alumni family member who is participating in the hooding does NOT require academic attire; dress code is business casual. Further instructions will be sent to the alumni hooder(s) prior to Convocation from the Office of Stewardship.
Preparation and Arrival
Students must read all MSG policies in full before arriving at the venue. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event by MSG staff.
- Where do I go?
Convocation will be held at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. Students and guests are to enter Madison Square Garden through the main entrance, located at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, on 7th Avenue at West 32nd Street. Everyone will go through a security check and metal detector (they will inspect all bags and be wanded). - What do I do when I arrive?
Proceed to Graduate Check-In immediately upon arrival. At Check-In you will receive your name card for the announcer to read as you cross the stage to be hooded, and you will also receive a Convocation Program. - When should I be there?
JD graduates should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. and proceed to the graduate line-up area. The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for your guests. We encourage you to advise your guests to be seated by 10:25 a.m. The processional begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. The JD ceremony will end at approximately 1:30 p.m.
LLM/JSD graduates should arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. and proceed to the graduate line-up area. The doors will open at 2:00 p.m. for your guests. We encourage you to advise your guests to be seated by 2:55 p.m. The processional begins promptly at 3:00 p.m. The LLM/JSD ceremony will end at approximately 6:00 p.m. - What should I bring?
Just your academic attire (robe, hood, and tam). Also, please make sure that all clasps and fasteners on the inside of your hood are undone. - Should I give my guests my handbag, briefcase, coat or umbrella?
YES, do not bring any personal belongings. Please give any items to your guests before you go to the graduate line-up area. There is nowhere for you to store your belongings before or during the ceremony. You will not be permitted to store anything below your seats in the theater as you may not return to the same seat following your hooding.
Recessional
- Do we leave automatically after the last person has crossed the stage?
NO. Dean McKenzie will make brief closing remarks, and then the faculty will exit. Once the faculty depart, the music will change and the student recessional will begin. An Aisle Director will indicate when your row can stand and exit the Theater. - Where will graduates be after exiting the Theater?
You will exit through the side doors of Madison Square Garden. Please arrange to meet your family and guests outside of Madison Square Garden. Since there are many graduates, we highly recommend you coordinate a meeting point for after the ceremony has concluded. There are many landmark areas along 7th Avenue like the Chase Bank and Hotel Pennsylvania.
Convocation questions? Contact the Office of Student Affairs at (212) 998-6658 or law.studentaffairs@nyu.edu