Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2020 All-University Commencement?
The in-person 2020 All-University Commencement has been postponed. The date of the postponed Commencement ceremony will be determined once health and government restrictions are loosened and we are advised that it is safe to gather in large groups.
When can I order tickets?
Once a new date is determined for the Class of 2020’s All-University Commencement, we will create a schedule for reserving tickets.
How will I order academic attire for the postponed ceremony?
Academic attire will be required for the postponed Commencement ceremony. Details about academic attire will be posted at a later date.
What was the virtual celebration on May 20, 2020?
The Celebration for the Class of 2020 was an online tribute to our graduates featuring remarks, music, and videos. It was approximately 25 minutes long and concluded with a virtual conferring of degrees by President Hamilton. As an all-university event, this celebration did not include individual recognition of each graduate. It was open to the entire NYU community and the public.
The virtual celebration is not intended to replace the full Commencement ceremony. Commencement for the Class of 2020 will be rescheduled when it is safe to gather together in large groups.
How do I watch the virtual celebration?
The archived video of the virtual celebration is posted on the Commencement website. The celebration was also streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Were the graduates' names announced during the virtual celebration?
The virtual celebration was an all-university event to salute the 19,000 members of the Class of 2020. As such, it did not individually recognize each of the graduates.
When is my school’s virtual celebration?
School celebrations were scheduled by each school to recognize its graduates. Many of the virtual school celebrations remain online for viewing.
What is the schedule for cultural and identity-based celebrations?
NYU Cultural and Identity-Based Graduation Celebrations were established to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of graduating students of color and LGBTQ+ students—undergraduate, graduate, professional studies. The Office of Global Inclusion shared information about the following celebrations:
- APID/A Students - Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 8:00 p.m.
- LGBTQ+ Students - Thursday, April 30, 2020, 8:00 p.m.
- Latine Students - Thursday, May 7, 2020, 8:00 p.m.
- Black Students - Friday, May 8, 2020, 8:00 p.m.
Can I order academic attire as a keepsake or for pictures?
NYU provided members of the Class of 2020 with a keepsake cap and tassel as a gift to the graduates. The ordering period has now concluded.
Can I order a class ring or other graduation accessories?
Graduation accessories can be ordered through the Herff Jones website. These additional accessories are at the graduate’s own expense.
I am graduating with my doctorate. How can I purchase custom academic attire?
Doctoral candidates/graduates who wish to purchase custom academic attire can do so on the Herff Jones website.
I donated to the 1831 Fund and was supposed to receive an NYU Philanthropy Cord. Will they still be distributed?
1831 Fund donors from the Class of 2020 who give a total of $18.31 or more will still receive the NYU Philanthropy Cord. The 1831 Fund Student Committee is currently working on a plan for how to best distribute cords based on when the rescheduled Commencement takes place. More information will be shared to donors as it becomes available.
I expect to be a University Honors Scholar (Founders scholar). How do I receive my Founders (gold) tassel?
Baccalaureate candidates and graduates, whose cumulative GPA places them in the top 40 percent of their school's graduating class, are named University Honors Scholars, earning them the NYU Founders’ Day Award. University Honors Scholars will be notified on or around April 21. They will receive a gold tassel and a personalized certificate, both of which were mailed starting mid-May, and sent separately from the cap and tassel gift package from Herff Jones.
I am graduating with departmental and Latin honors. How are these recognized?
Details about Latin honors, including the GPA cutoffs, are on the University Registrar's website. The University does not distribute tassels or cords for Latin honors.
Some schools might distribute cords for certain internal honors. Please reach out to your school with questions about departmental honors.
I only have to take one summer class to fulfill my degree requirement. Can I participate in the virtual graduation celebrations in May?
Students who have only one to two courses remaining to complete their degree requirements during the summer term may request permission to participate in commencement-related activities from their school’s designated academic officer.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to graduates 6-8 weeks after graduation. Be sure to update your mailing address in Albert. For further information, visit the Registrar’s website.
Can I take a Commencement portrait?
Virtual portraits through NYU's partnership with Island Photography have concluded. In-person portrait sittings will be available when the 2020 All-University Commencement is rescheduled.