Guest Information

Teachers College is in compliance with the health and safety measures taken by the USTA. Please refer to the Entry Requirement tab for full details.

• Graduates will be able to register for up to eight (8) guest tickets. 
• Tickets are electronic and will be sent via email from Ticketmaster to the graduate.

All guests will have their bags checked before they enter into the Stadium for the Ceremonies.

Luggage, large bags, signs, flags, banners, balloons, boxes, backpacks and other large items will not be permitted inside the Stadium, as well as the following items: 

• Hard coolers or like containers

• Glass bottles or cans (Exception: reusable water bottles-24 oz. or less, metal and plastic)

• Aerosol cans or noise-making devices

• Alcohol

• Video cameras or recording devices (Exception: cell phones and SLR cameras with video or recording capabilities)

• Computers or laptops

• Weapons (regardless of permit)

• Animals (Exception: service animals)

• Any materials, items or apparel constituting unauthorized advertising or promotion

• Laser pointing devices

• Drones (UAS-Unmanned Aircraft Systems) or other model aircraft

• Selfie-sticks or other telescopic devices

• Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by US Open personnel, in their sole discretion

TC memorabilia available for purchase at the end of each ceremony.

Guests may purchase flowers, commemorative T-shirts, and other small gifts on-site from our floral provider Commencement Flowers.

Use mass transit to make your trip to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center convenient and cost-effective.

Subway: The 7 train provides service from Grand Central Terminal to Mets-Willets Point Station, including connections for all Metro-North Trains from Westchester and Connecticut. Service is also available from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Long Island Rail Road: LIRR provides easy service to Mets-Willets Point Station from Woodside, and convenient connections from Penn Station for New Jersey Transit customers. For guests with disabilities, get off the LIRR train at 61st Street-Woodside Station and transfer to the 7 train. Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station.

The MTA website, mta.info, provides complete schedules and information about the most convenient ways to get to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

ARRIVING BY UBER/LYFT/TAXI/CAR SERVICE

Please tell your driver to take you to the Mets-Willets Point station stop of the 7 train (near 126th Street & Roosevelt Ave) then walk 5 minutes to the East gates.

Do not use a street address for the stadium as very often you will be let out on the opposite side of the Park extending your walk by at least 10 minutes.

Parking is available at Mets Stadium. Please note that lots are limited and we recommend mass transit to avoid arrival delays. Please utilize Grand Central Parkway exit 9E or Whitestone Expressway Exit 13D for the shortest route to available parking lots. Upon arrival, lot attendants will direct you to the appropriate area. There is a charge for parking and cash is not accepted.

The lot will be open to guests starting at the following times:

• Sunday, May 22, 2022  at 1:30pm | Pre-pay here

• Monday, May 23, 2022 at 7:30am | Pre-pay here

Map it

Check out some new restaurants in Queens here.

Find recommended hotels in the area here.

Teachers College is committed to ensuring that TC Convocation events are accessible to all guests. The Office of Access and Service for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) works closely with the TC Convocation Office to coordinate all access needs for individuals with disabilities.

Monitors inside the Stadium will show the live ceremony with open captions and sign language interpreters.

Individuals with questions regarding accessibility are encouraged to contact OASID at:

oasid@tc.edu

(212) 678-3689

(646) 755-3144 video phone

A family member, other than the student’s spouse or child, that is invited to visit the United States for a short time on a B2 visitor visa, should be provided with the following by the student:

• A personal invitation letter, which should include your name, school, relationship to the applicant, name of applicant, applicant’s place and date of birth, dates expected to visit the United States, duration of visit, preferred arrival date, and whether you will provide financial support for the applicant’s visit. Here is a Sample Invitation Letter for Family.
• Teachers College enrollment verification
• Copies of student’s I-20 or DS-2019, visa stamp, and I-94 record.
• Copies of student’s proof of financial support, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, and/or personal bank statements if you stated that you would provide financial support for the applicant during his/her stay in the US.

Note that an individual in B1 or B2 status is usually admitted to the US for a six month period.

More information can be found here.