Frequently Asked Questions

We look forward to celebrating the completion of your degree at UHD’s 79^th Commencement Ceremony. Please review the information below to help you prepare for the ceremony.

When is the Commencement Ceremony?
UHD’s 79th Commencement Ceremony honoring our undergraduate and graduate students on Friday, December 12 at NRG Arena. The Fall Commencement Ceremony is reserved for our Summer and Fall 2025 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.

 

Will I need a ticket for the ceremony? Will my guests need a ticket?
Tickets are not required for graduating students at the UHD Commencement Ceremony. Guests will need a ticket to enter NRG Arena.

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. 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 12 and will be turned away. Please visit with your Academic 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 graduating student will receive an allotment of four guest tickets. Guest tickets for the ceremonies can be requested online. Learn more.

There is no cost for UHD Commencement tickets.

More information about ticket requests and guest accessibility will be shared soon.

Will the ceremony be available online?
Yes, the Commencement Ceremony will be streamed live. You can view the steam on UHD’s website

How do I order regalia for graduation?
Regalia​ for the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony may be purchased from the UHD bookstore.​ The bookstore hours are Monday through Thursday - 10 am to 4 pm and Friday 10 am - 1 pm (closed Saturday and Sunday).

Students will NOT be able to purchase regalia or obtain Honor cords at NRG Arena on the day of the ceremony.

What side is the tassel on?
Tassels should be on your right side and will be moved to the left once degrees are conferred at the ceremony.

Honor cord distribution
Students receiving honor cords will be contacted by their Academic Advising Center.

As a Graduate student, will I be hooded at the commencement ceremony?
No, all graduate students will be invited to participate in a hooding ceremony hosted by the Provost’s Office. You will receive information in your GatorMail. Visit the Provost Office website to learn more.

Venue and Parking Information

UHD’s 79th Commencement Ceremony will take place at NRG Arena. View driving instructions.

NRG Arena
8825 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77054

Do I/my guests have to pay for parking?
Parking will be available at NRG. Students and guests should plan to enter NRG Park parking through gates 8 and 9 off Kirby Drive and gate 3 off Fannin Street. The cost to park is $25 per car plus tax, per entrance into the lot. NRG Park is cashless and will only accept major credit cards as payment.

NRG Security Information and Bag Policy

NRG Security Checks

All guests and graduating students will enter NRG Arena and undergo security screenings – bag checks and metal detectors. Backpacks and large bags that exceed 11”x17” are not allowed. Items not allowed past security will require guests and students to return them to their cars, or they will not be allowed into the venue. More information on items prohibited into NRG Arena can be found here.

Items NOT allowed into NRG Arena

No weapons of any kind, no outside flowers, no balloons, no noisemakers, no bullhorns, no beach balls or floating/pool devices, no sporting balls of any kind, no large posters or signs that can block views. No video recorders, no audio recorders, no professional camera equipment. No outside food or drink (medical exceptions may be made by NRG staff). Items not allowed past security will require guests and students to return them to their cars, or they will not be allowed into the venue. More information on items prohibited into NRG Arena can be found here.

Strollers and diaper/medical bags: Strollers are allowed into NRG Arena but would need to be placed and left on the concourse level during the ceremony. NRG and UHD are not responsible for these. Diaper bags and medical bags are allowed inside, but subject to inspection before entry.

Will food be available for purchase at NRG Arena?

Food will not be available for purchase at the venue, and guests are not permitted to bring outside food into the venue.

Water fountains will be available for guests, and water stations will be provided for students while they wait for the ceremony to begin.