Most of the answers to your questions can be found on the Steinhardt Graduation and NYU Commencement websites. But here are some highlights:
Graduation ceremonies are only held in May. If you are a September or January graduate, you are invited to participate in the May ceremonies. But attendance to both ceremonies (Steinhardt Ceremonies and NYU Commencement) are optional.
If you're planning to walk at the graduation ceremonies (whether you are a September, January, or May graduate), you have to apply for graduation.
To apply for graduation, you can do so in your Albert account.
If you haven't applied for graduation (within the application deadline), you must contact graduation@nyu.edu.
For the date and time of the ceremony, check the Steinhardt website.
At this ceremony, each student will walk across the stage to have their name announced as a graduate
*Steinhardt Office of Student Affairs typically sends out an email invitation late March for Steinhardt Graduation Ticket registration. Please contact them directly via email at steinhardt.graduation@nyu.edu if you did not receive this invitation with instructions to order your Steinhardt Graduation tickets. *
Important Note: Because Graduation ceremonies are organized centrally by the university and school, MCC does not know how many tickets you will receive, whether extras will become available, and/or how many extras you are able to request. If you anticipate needing more tickets than you will be offered, pay attention to the information provided for requesting additional tickets AND start coordinating with your peers to see if anyone has extra tickets they will not be using.
Commencement is typically held on a Wednesday in mid-May.
Visit this page for information on renting appropriate academic attire.
Do your guests need a visa to visit you and attend the ceremony? View the information on this page for details.
Here is a useful E-how article that may help you figure out what to wear under your cap and gown. Recommended attire includes cocktail dresses, slacks, skirt, and a blouse/nice shirt. Avoid wearing jeans and t-shirts.
Keep in mind the gown is a dark purple so you don't need to worry about certain colors showing through.
No one will see what you are wearing under your cap and gown during the ceremony. What you wear underneath will be most relevant before and after the ceremony. When in doubt, ask your parents/guardians what they want to see you wearing for the slew of family pictures.
Location
The All-University Commencement is held at Yankee Stadium, around mid-May, rain or shine.
As it gets closer to the date, keep an eye on the weather and come prepared for inclement weather.
Ticket Information
Use this link for information on ticket distribution for the All-University Commencement, including the Extra Ticket Policy. Updated information becomes available closer to the May graduation ceremonies.
Important Note: Because of the limited space at Yankee Stadium, students are only allowed 4 tickets in total (1 for the student, 3 for guests). There is NO guarantee that you will be able to receive additional guest tickets from the university. If you anticipate needing more guest tickets, pay attention to the information provided for requesting additional tickets AND start coordinating with your peers to see if anyone has extra tickets they will not be using.