The schools and colleges of New York University join together in celebrating one Commencement ceremony each year. This invitation is extended to all graduates and degree candidates for the 2008-2009 academic year.

The New York University All-University Commencement was held in Washington Square Park from 1976 to 2007. Because of the extensive renovations the City of New York has been conducting in this park, this year's ceremony is being moved to Yankee Stadium. The University Senate composed of faculty, students, and administrators voted overwhelmingly to conduct the ceremony at the Stadium.

On Wednesday, May 13th, the NYU community will join together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2009 at the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

With banners flying and wearing their purple caps and gowns, the Class of 2009 will make history as it graces Yankee Stadium for New York University's 177th Commencement Exercises.

The ceremony includes a presidential address, a student speaker, the awarding of honorary degrees to a number of distinguished individuals, and the official conferring of degrees and certificates by the president of the University only after all classes have been recognized by their deans. The program concludes with the ceremonial passing of the University torch.

The University will continue its tradition of officially announcing the names of the honorary degree recipients shortly before the Commencement. Because over 5,000 students are expected to attend, it is not possible to recognize each individual by name. Instead the deans will introduce each class as a whole and a representative selected in advance will receive a symbolic diploma for each degree category. All students are required to stay until ALL schools' class representatives have received their symbolic diplomas. OFFICIAL conferring of degrees for ALL schools will follow.

(Diplomas are mailed to the graduates' permanent addresses by the Office of the University Registrar approximately eight weeks following the date of graduation.)

In addition to the All-University Commencement, each of the 13 schools and colleges may host individual school graduations and/or receptions. These smaller, more intimate ceremonies are held at various venues at the University and around New York City.

The University welcomes the friends and families of the Class of 2009 and extends heartfelt congratulations to our graduates.

1. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED INTO THE STADIUM: LAPTOP COMPUTERS, BACKPACKS, BRIEFCASES, ATTACHE CASES, COOLERS, GLASS OR PLASTIC BOTTLES, CANS, LARGE PURSES, BAGS, VIDEO CAMERAS AND SUCH OTHER ITEMS WHICH MAY CAUSE THE RISK OF INJURY.
2. THERE IS NO CLAIM CHECK OR STORAGE FACILITY AT THE STADIUM FOR ITEMS WHICH ARE DENIED ENTRY.
3. DIAPER BAGS, SMALL CHILDREN'S BACKPACKS, SMALL WOMEN'S PURSES AND BACKPACK PURSES MAY BE PERMITTED IN THE STADIUM, BUT ONLY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SCREENED AND DETERMINED THAT THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY ITEMS WHICH MAY CAUSE THE RISK OF INJURY.
4. NO RE-ENTRY WILL BE PERMITTED.
5. NO ALCOHOL WILL BE SOLD IN THE STADIUM FOR THIS EVENT. SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN THE STADIUM.

SCHEDULE

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

Wednesday Morning, May 13, 2009

	Time		Event
	9:30 a.m.		Candidates admitted at Gate 8 only
	9:30 a.m.		Guests admitted at Gate 6 only
	10:15 a.m.		Candidates seated in their assigned school areas
	11:00 a.m.		Ceremony begins
	1:00 p.m.		Ceremony concludes

EXIT/RE-ENTRY

Guests are not permitted to leave the Stadium and return on the same ticket. Re-admittance to the Stadium will be allowed only in the case of an emergency. Those needing to exit the Stadium for this purpose must proceed to the Stadium Lobby for consideration. Guests will only be permitted to return into the Stadium through this entrance with their signed ticket.

RAIN PLAN

There is no rain date. Commencement will take place rain or shine. If rain is heavy, the ceremony will be abbreviated. Participants should come prepared if inclement weather is expected on Commencement Day.

YANKEE STADIUM-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Cameras & Video Equipment
Single-frame flash photography is allowed. All forms of video and motion-picture cameras are strictly prohibited. Guests are also forbidden to use lighting or camera support pods at the Stadium.

Prohibited Items
No backpacks, briefcases, large purses, bags, coolers, glass or plastic bottles, cans, laser pens, video cameras, laptops, firearms or knives are permitted in the ballpark, and there is no claim check area to store any such items. Beach balls, blow horns and all other distracting noisemakers are also not permitted.

Guest Services/Information Booths
Further information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Candidates and Guests with Disabilities
The new Yankee Stadium will be fully compliant with and meet all of the Americans With Disabilities Act ("ADA") Standards for Accessible Design, as well as the New York city and state standards and requirements. Click here to read more.