COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

All commencement ceremonies are held in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. Degree candidates should arrive at the Health and Kinesiology Center, located across the street from the coliseum, one hour prior to their ceremony.

Find these buildings on the Campus Map.

Find your ceremony date and time in the Commencement Schedule.

The traditional black cap and gown is required to participate in the commencement ceremony. A tassel should also be purchased ahead of time. Students receiving their master's and doctoral degrees should purchase the appropriate hood in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. Caps and gowns may be purchased at the local book stores.  The Barnes and Noble Bookstore is located in the Lowman Student Center on the campus (phone number (936) 294-1862).

Each graduation ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours.

There will NOT be a dress rehearsal for commencement.

Should the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum reach seating capacity, guests will be directed to the Lowman Student Center Theatre, where a live broadcast of the ceremony will be shown.

The university provost and vice president for academic affairs is the presiding official or master of ceremonies for each commencement ceremony. A printed program booklet provides the order of the program activities.

 

Check your name in the Commencement Program.

Order of the Commencement Ceremony.

Diplomas are mailed to the permanent address on record (check your permanent address) approximately 6-8 weeks after commencement. A final evaluation of the students academic records will determine whether a degree is posted and diplomas mailed. December graduates should expect a longer delay receiving their diplomas in the mail due to the holiday break.

For more information go to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Note: Students who have submitted an Application for Degree for a specific term will only be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony when the following two criteria are met:

• Currently enrolled in all necessary courses to complete degree requirements at the conclusion of the term.
• In regard to grade point average, must not be more than 9 grade points deficient in major, minor, or overall and be enrolled in enough course work to potentially make up those deficient grade points.

If I participate in the commencement ceremony, will I automatically have a degree posted to my record?

No, participation in the commencement ceremony does NOT guarantee that a degree will be posted to the student record. On the day that grades are verified and appear on the permanent transcript record, a final evaluation of each student's academic record will determine whether a degree is posted to the academic transcript. All degree requirements must be met by the deadline date as indicated on the Academic Calendar for "Final Grades Due".

Will I receive my diploma at commencement?

No, final grades are typically due to the Registrar's Office the Monday following commencement. A final evaluation of the student academic record will determine whether a degree is posted and diplomas will be mailed approximately 4 weeks after commencement. December graduates should expect a longer delay receiving their diplomas in the mail due to the holiday break. Diplomas are mailed to the permanent address on record.