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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Graduates and their families stand outside of the Barclays Center, wearing purple gowns and graduation caps while they take pictures with family.

Tandon students demand to walk at graduation

More than 1,300 students signed a petition asking for the university to change the graduation format for Tandon students, who won’t have the chance to walk on stage due to time constraints.
Adrianna Nehme, Deputy News Editor March 8, 2023

Manas Johri, a student completing his master’s degree at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, imagined that when graduation came around, he would walk up on stage for a handshake,...

Graduate Ayham Adawi in purple graduation robe holds the NYU Abu Dhabi banner. A crowd of graduates in purple robes are seen in the background.

Abu Dhabi, Shanghai seniors come together at NYC commencement

NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai seniors represented their schools during the university commencement ceremony for the class of 2022.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor May 20, 2022

For most students, commencement is a day to bring everyone together. Some families drive from New Jersey, while others fly from across oceans, all to watch their loved ones graduate....

A headshot of Taylor Swift placed beside a photo of Judith Heumann.

Taylor Swift, Judith Heumann to speak at NYU graduation

Graduates of NYU's classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be honored at a ceremony at Yankee Stadium on May 18.
Maria Freyre, Senior Staff Writer March 29, 2022

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and disability rights activist Judith Heumann were selected as commencement speakers for NYU’s 188th and 189th graduation ceremonies. A ceremony...

Martin Fritsche stands outside Bobst Library holding a white rose.

Q&A: Meet the guy behind the rose cart

The street florist who’s been selling roses outside of Bobst since September has much more to say than just “roses, roses.”
Alex Tran, Culture Editor February 22, 2022

If you’ve walked by Bobst Library this semester, or even down Washington Square South, chances are you have run into an old man selling roses, or have heard him softly saying...

NYU announced to the university community that the Class of 2021 will have a virtual commencement on May 19. Many graduating students believe this decision was reached prematurely. (Staff Photo by Paul Kim)

Class of 2021 pushes for an in-person commencement

Since NYU announced in February that the Class of 2021 would have a virtual commencement, a petition calling for an in-person graduation ceremony has garnered more than 1,000 signatures.
Rachel Cohen, Staff Writer April 22, 2021

NYU announced on Feb. 8 in a letter to the university community that the Class of 2021 will have a virtual commencement on May 19. A make-up in-person ceremony is tentatively planned...

Alejandra Arevalo.

NYU Class of 2020’s Commencement That Never Was

Seniors share their thoughts about celebrating commencement in their own ways and their words to their fellow graduates.
Alejandra Arevalo, Under the Arch Deputy Editor May 7, 2020

Making Room to Mourn the Ordinary During Extraordinary Times

Making Room to Mourn the Ordinary During Extraordinary Times

Accepting and validating different kinds of grief is a necessary step to dealing with this pandemic.
Mili Mansaray, Staff Writer April 6, 2020

This situation is unprecedented. Since December 2019, the coronavirus has devastated the globe, rampaging country after country at an exponential rate and bringing life as we know...

An NYU graduate holds up the Dominican Republic flag while in the stands at Yankee Stadium. The Class of 2020 commencement has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Alana Beyer)

2020 Commencement Postponed Due to COVID-19

An email sent to students by President Andrew Hamilton on Wednesday, March 25 announced that NYU would put off the All-University commencement ceremony until further notice.
Lisa Cochran, News Editor March 25, 2020

NYU’s 2020 All-University Commencement ceremony will be delayed amid the rapid spread of the coronavirus in New York City, according to an email sent on Wednesday, March 25 by...

Journalist Steven William Thrasher speaks at the GSAS doctoral convocation on Monday. (via NYU)

President Hamilton Denounces GSAS Commencement Speaker’s Praise of BDS

A speaker at the Graduate School of Arts and Science commencement applauded efforts by student groups NYU Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice For Peace to boycott Israel. NYU President Andrew Hamilton released a statement condemning the speaker’s choice to do so.
Victor Porcelli, News Editor May 24, 2019

A speaker at NYU’s Graduate School of Arts and Science doctoral commencement advocated for the boycott of Israel during his speech on Monday. “I am so proud of NYU’s chapters...

An NYU graduate, wearing his violet gown and a 2019 commencement cap, talks on the phone and waves the commencement program which he has folded into a fan. (Photo by Julia McNeill)

NYU’s Class of 2019 Graduates With a Challenge to Foster Unity

A sea of violet gowns replaced the white and navy pinstripes that typically fill Yankee Stadium. On Wednesday morning, NYU held its 187th Commencement ceremony for the class of...

Graduates stand for the National Anthem at last year's commencement. (Photo by Renee Yang)

Seniors Have Mixed Opinions on 2019 Commencement Speaker Elizabeth Alexander

Following Pharrell Williams and Justin Trudeau, some students are unhappy with the university’s choice, while others look forward to hearing from Alexander, a celebrated poet and academic.
Bethany Allard, Deputy News Editor April 15, 2019

Many seniors were surprised by the university’s announcement that Elizabeth Alexander will be the 2019 commencement speaker, especially in light of the last two speakers —...