Commencement & Convocation FAQ

1. What is the difference between Commencement and Convocation?

Commencement is the NYU-wide ceremony held in honor of the completion and/or in anticipation of your fulfilling all academic requirements at the University. The ceremony, held at Yankee Stadium, includes a presidential address, a student speaker, the awarding of honorary degrees to a number of distinguished individuals, and the conferring of degrees/certificates by the president of the University. The program concludes with the ceremonial passing of the University torch. Because over thousands of students are expected to attend, it is not possible to recognize each individual by name. Instead, the deans introduce each class as a whole and a representative selected in advance receives a symbolic diploma for degree categories.

Convocation is the NYU Wagner ceremony that celebrates the achievements of NYU Wagner’s graduating students. Convocation includes a featured speaker and individual recognition of each student who has conferred a degree. In addition, doctoral students are hooded at convocation and students that receive other awards are recognized.  

2. How do I apply for graduation?

Students apply for graduation via Albert. The deadline for May 2022 graduation was February 13, 2022. If you missed the deadline to apply, please email wagner.studentservices@nyu.edu. Dates for future deadlines can be found on NYU's site.

3. I am finishing classes over the summer. Can I apply to walk this May?

Please email wagner.studentservices@nyu.edu to complete the process of applying for a Dean's Exception. You will be directed back to the rest of this Convocation Tickets form once you have completed the necessary steps.

4. Do I and my guests need tickets for Convocation and Commencement? How do I obtain them?

Guest Tickets for NYU Wagner Convocation can be requested online. Eligible graduates can request up to four (4) guest tickets and apply for waitlist tickets. For NYU's All-University Commencement Exercises please visit their site for more information.

5. Will there be accessible seating for guests in wheelchairs or with mobility limitations?

Yes. Please indicate on the Ticket Request Form if you need ADA accessibility for your guest(s).

6. Where do I get my cap and gown?

Graduates and degree candidates participating in the ceremonies are required to wear academic attire. Graduates can wear the same cap and gown for both NYU Wagner Convocation and NYU Commencement. Academic attire can be acquired from Herff Jones.

 7. Which side does my tassel go on?

Since all students have received a previous degree, the tassel should be on your left.

8. I am a dual-degree student. Can I attend both ceremonies?

Dual-degree students are eligible to attend both of the individual school ceremonies and NYU Commencement. Students must be eligible and apply for graduation separately at both schools and apply for tickets separately from both schools.

9. How do I order copies of my graduation photograph that was taken at the Convocation ceremony?

As a courtesy, professional photographs will be taken of each graduate and mailed to his/her permanent address approximately two weeks after graduation.

Please remember that all future mailings will be sent to the PERMANENT ADDRESS you have listed in Albert including your diploma and graduation photos. Visit the Personal Information tab under "Student Center" in Albert to ensure all information is updated and correct.

 10. When and where do I receive my diploma?

Approximately 8 weeks after graduation, your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address listed in NYU Albert. Or you can choose to have it mailed to a different address by updating your Diploma Options page in NYU Albert before your conferral date.