Sam Houston State University Commencement

Spring 2024 Commencement Schedule:

Spring 2024 Graduation Ceremonies are scheduled for May 9th, 10th, and 11th 2024 at the Sam Houston State University Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. The complete schedule is posted below.

SP24 schedule V4.PNG

Important Information & FAQs

Commencement Livestreams

Friday, 9:30 a.m.

Friday, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, 2:00 p.m.

What to Expect at Graduation

Commencement Spotlights

Sam Houston State University graduates have made remarkable strides in their lives to reach commencement day. Here are a few examples of Bearkats graduates, who have demonstrated a “can-do” spirit through challenges and service, and remind us of the many ways Sam Houston State is preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement.

Star Brown

Star Brown

People often say that when life gets you down, you can either stay down or get back up and start again; upcoming graduate Star Brown believes you should come up swinging.

Spotlight on Star

Danielle Laird

Danielle Laird

“I never thought I would be able to graduate. I didn't know how I was going to juggle everything at all. I just thought at some point it was all going to fall apart, so I am so thrilled to be graduating in May.”

Spotlight on Danielle

Mateo Seghezzo

Mateo Seghezzo

Seghezzo has been devoted to music ever since he was four. He started with the African Djembé, took drum set lessons when he was seven, then developed a love for jazz that led him to move to the States.

Spotlight on Mateo

Commencement Program

How to Wear Regalia

Important Information

Coliseum Clear Bag Policy

There is a clear bag policy in place at the Johnson Coliseum (clear bag no larger than 12x12x6 or purse no larger than 4.5x6.5) and there will be a security bag check prior to entering.

List of Prohibited Items

  • Umbrellas
  • Outside Food and Drinks
  • Airhorns
  • Large Bags
  • Strollers
  • Tripods

Commencement Etiquette

  • SHSU Student and Student Organization Commencement Etiquette Policy
  • Commencement is a ceremonious occasion honoring important educational accomplishments. Decorum and courtesy are important to you and your family, as well as your fellow degree candidates and their families. Students and guests are expected to maintain a measure of decorum consonant with the occasion.
  • Out of respect for all degree candidates, once seated, all participants are expected to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony which is marked by the candidate recessional.
  • Adherence to the university’s alcohol policy is expected.
  • Improper attire, signs and insignia will be monitored and may be removed.
  • Cell phones and other electronic equipment should be silenced.
  • All candidates should plan to meet their guests outside Johnson Coliseum following the ceremony. Guests are not allowed on the arena floor and will be asked to exit the coliseum quickly to meet your graduate.

Students

  • Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing beneath their regalia.
  • Students and guests are expected to refrain from disruptive behavior.
  • Students are expected to return to their seats after the presentation and remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.
  • Sam Houston State University maintains the proud and historic tradition of permitting degree candidates to shake hands with the President as their name is spoken. However, graduates should not feel compelled to shake hands if they are uncomfortable doing so.

Guests

  • Family members and/or guests are not permitted on the arena floor.
  • The last degree candidate is equally as important as the first, so please be considerate.
  • We ask that all guests remain seated for the entire ceremony.

Spring 2024 FAQs

Celebrate using #SHSU24: