Doors will open at 2:00pm for graduates. Doors will open at 2:30pm for guests.

Please DO NOT be late and plan to arrive 15 minutes early. If attendees are late, they run the risk of not being able to attend the ceremony. 

The event will start promptly at 3:00pm.

Graduates will wear academic regalia (cap, gown, hood, and tassel). Pro tips:

• Tassels on left: For Master's degrees, the tassel starts on the left side and remains there throughout the ceremony.

• Bring a safety pin or use the button of your shirt to help the hood lie properly over your gown. 

Guests should wear cocktail attire. This is an elegant afternoon event, so we would recommend wearing suits, elegant dress, wedding clothes, etc. Although it may be very warm and humid outside, it may be cold inside the theater. We advise guests to bring a light sweater or wrap to accommodate for the varying temperatures.

Upon arrival, graduates will check-in and proceed downstairs to a separate section to line up. There will be ushers and signage to direct. Graduates will be lined up by cohort in alpha order by last name to process into the theater.

Guest seating is separate from graduates and first-come, first-serve. There is elevator access for those who cannot walk down the flight of stairs. There is also plenty of stroller parking available in the Skirball lobby.

Children and/or guests are not allowed on stage at any time.

The ceremony will be livestreamed! The viewing link will be found here once available.

See here for information on the graduation speakers.

Graduates and guests will also hear from Vice Dean Elizabeth Morrison, EMBA Academic Director Maher Said, and student speakers from each cohort.

Flash photography is allowed, but please note we will have a professional photographer take photos of every graduate as they walk across the stage, and by themselves with their graduation memento. 

Guests should remain seated at all times and not come to the front to take photos.

Graduates should NOT bring a backpack or a heavy bag. You probably don't want to walk down the aisle or across the stage carrying a purse or bag. Bring a small purse or leave your belongings with your guest or someone else's guests if you are coming alone. Signs, banners, flags, and noisemaking devices are not permitted.

Staff will not be able to hold bags for graduates.

Food and drink are NOT permitted at this event (but water is welcome). There are also water fountains available at the venue. The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours long, so please plan accordingly. 

As noted, we will be holding a cocktail reception with hors d'oeurves and refreshments for graduates and guests after the ceremony.

The EMBA team have secured a special room block for the EMBA graduation weekend with a discounted rate. Please note that there are a limited number of rooms and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Hotel: New York Marriott Downtown, 85 West Street at Albany St, New York, NY 10006

• Rate: $230/night + Taxes and Fees

• Dates: August 1, 2025 - August 3, 2025

• Room Types: Deluxe Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Doubles

• Booking Deadline: July 1, 2025

• Cancellation Policy: 72-hour cancellation policy; A fee equivalent to one night of your room charge plus applicable tax

Additionally, NYU has partnered with numerous nearby hotels for special discounts. See here for a list. To get the discounted rate, please use the reservation links on the website.

There are many nearby parking garages, here are some suggested parking accommodations:

• Washington Square Village, 3 Washington Square Village

• Thompson Street Garage, 221 Thompson St.

• Minetta Garage, 122 West 3rd St. 

The EMBA Graduation Ceremony is an indoor event and takes place rain or shine. There is no rain date. Please come prepared if inclement weather is expected.