Frequently Asked Questions
We look forward to celebrating the completion of your degree at UHD’s 75th Commencement Ceremony. Please review the information below to help you prepare for the ceremony.
When is the Commencement Ceremony?
UHD’s 75th Commencement Ceremony honoring our undergraduate and graduate students will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Berry Center. The Fall Commencement Ceremony is reserved for our Summer and Fall 2023 graduates only.
What time does the ceremony start?
There will be two ceremonies split by academic college, please find your college below to see your ceremony time. You do not attend both ceremonies.
First Ceremony - 10:30 a.m.Colleges Represented:
- Marilyn Davies College of Business
- College of Public Service
Second Ceremony - 3:30 p.m.Colleges Represented:
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Sciences and Technology
Where is the Berry Center located?
The address is as follows:
8877 Barker Cypress Dr.
Cypress, TX 77433
Fore more information and driving directions, please visit our parking information page.
What part of the Berry Center will the ceremonies take place?
The commencement ceremonies will take place indoors in the Berry Center Arena.
Do I have to pay for parking?
Free parking will be available at the Berry Center, please visit our parking information page.
Students are responsible for their transportation and parking at the ceremony.
Are individual names read at the ceremony?
Names are read in alphabetical order at the ceremony. Students will be given a walk-card that will help put them in order. Should you have concerns about the pronunciation of your name during the ceremony, you can visit the Name Calling Table at Commencement during check-in.
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony lasts about three hours. This time can vary based on the number of students in attendance and remarks from speakers.
Indicating participation requires a commitment to remain in your seat until the conclusion of the commencement ceremony. Security and ushers on the floor will not allow you to leave the ceremony early.
Am I able to participate in the ceremony if I do not meet graduation requirements?
No, if you have failed courses needed for your degree this term, extended your coursework past this semester, or in any other way are not able to satisfy your academic requirements in this current term, you will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony on December 16, 2023, and will be turned away. Please visit with your Advisor to ensure you are in good academic standing and are on track to receive your degree at the conclusion of the fall term.
Are guests allowed to attend the Commencement Ceremony?
Yes! We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments with your family and friends. Each graduate will have an opportunity to request up to seven tickets for the ceremony. Please note, seating assignments will be visible on the Commencement tickets. You will only be allowed to request tickets for the ceremony you will be participating in.
Additionally, the Berry Center does not allow re-entry for guests once they leave the venue. Please be sure to inform your guests that if they exit the Berry Center at any point during the ceremony, they will not be allowed back in.
Please visit the Guest Accessibility section to learn more about accessibility options and requests.
Will I need a ticket for any of the ceremonies? Will my guests need a ticket?
Tickets are not required for students, but guests are required to have a ticket to enter the Berry Center. There is no cost for UHD Commencement tickets.
As a master's degree graduate student, will I be hooded at the commencement ceremony?
No, all master's degree graduate students will be invited to participate in a hooding ceremony hosted by the Provost Office. You will be receiving information in your GatorMail. Visit the Provost Office website to learn more.
Will the ceremony be available online?
Yes, the Commencement Ceremony will be streamed live. You can view the stream on UHD’s Facebook website.
How do I order regalia for graduation?
Regalia for the commencement ceremony may be purchased now through Herff Jones online. Items will be shipped to the campus store for pickup by the students in November. Students may order directly from the campus store in November.
The bookstore hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (closed Saturday and Sunday).
Have a question? Contact the UHD Campus Store at houstondowntowncampus@bkstr.com or by phone at 713-221-8025.
Will I be able to purchase regalia at the Commencement Ceremony?
No, you will not be able to purchase regalia, pick up your honors cords or any other items at the Berry Center. All must be purchased prior to December 16, 2023.
Can I bring a bag to the ceremony?
The Berry Center has a clear bag policy, so you are encouraged to travel light. Please visit the clear bag policy and prohibited items page for more information.
When do we receive our diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to graduates in the weeks following graduation once all degrees are certified. Diplomas will be mailed to a graduate’s permanent address on record. For more information, please continue to monitor our website.
If you have any additional questions, please submit the Commencement Ceremony Questions form.