Graduation 2020

For the health and safety of all, Sam Houston State University will host a virtual commencement celebration and recognize the 2020 graduates for both spring and summer semesters on Saturday, August 1 at 1 p.m. This ceremony will incorporate the most important elements of this time-honored tradition, speeches, Conferring of Degrees and musical performances.

• Will my graduation fee be refunded? Updated

  Yes, the university will reimburse the graduation application fee for Spring and Summer 2020 applicants.

  Reimbursements will be processed during the Summer 2020 semester, and will appear as Graduation Refund on the student account.

• Can I still apply for graduation? Updated

  Yes, if you plan to complete all of your degree requirements this summer, you will need to apply to graduate by 5 PM on Friday, July 10, 2020. 

  The deadline to have your name appear in the commencement program was June 2, 2020, however applying by July 10, 2020 will allow your name to be announced in the virtual commencement ceremony.

  Please note, the $60 fee will be waived for Summer 2020 applications from this point through July 31. Students who have already paid the graduation fee for Summer 2020 will be reimbursed.

• Can I cancel or return my cap and gown and get a refund for my purchase? Updated

  Yes. Cap and gown refunds should be requested through the Herff Jones website.

• How did SHSU come to the decision to not hold in-person ceremonies in August?

  This was a difficult decision for us all. As easing restrictions continue, Texas, like many states, is experiencing a resurgence in positive COVID-19 cases. While expected, the rise in hospitalizations is troubling. Public-health experts have suggested that it may be some time before it is safe to hold large-scale, public gatherings. 

• Why not hold ceremonies outside at Bowers Stadium?

  Outdoor ceremonies are of concern due to the extreme Texas heat in August. Additionally, should there be inclement weather, there is no safe alternative indoor site for an event of this size that would accommodate physical distancing.

• Can I watch the ceremony live or at a later date?

  Both. The ceremony will be live-streamed beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, and a recording of this celebration will be available for anyone who is not able to view the ceremony at the scheduled time.

• Will my individual college host a ceremony for its graduates?

  Yes. Each college will hold unique virtual programs after the official conferring of degrees. Links to each college’s programming will be forthcoming.

• Are there established social media hashtags?

  #SHSU20

• When can I expect to receive my commemorative graduation package?

  The commemorative graduation packages will be mailed by July 23 to the graduate’s permanent address on file with the Registrar’s Office.

• Can I attend a future in-person ceremony?

  All 2020 graduates are invited back to campus so we may recognize your accomplishments, individually and as a class, once in-person commencement resumes.  

• What is in the commemorative graduation package and when can I expect to receive it?

  Graduates will receive three official commencement programs, an honor cord if applicable, an alumni pin and a commemorative commencement invitation suitable for framing in their package. The commemorative graduation packages will be mailed by July 23 to the graduate’s permanent legal address on file with the Registrar’s Office. You may verify and update your permanent legal address by Friday, July 17 (here for instructions).

• Will there still be a traditional commencement program?

  Yes. Each graduate will receive three official commencement programs in their commemorative graduation package. A digital program book will be made available on the commencement website starting on August 1. 

  Requests for additional programs can be made to the Registrar's Office after August 1.

• If I have additional questions about the ceremony, who should I contact?

  Please email registrar@shsu.edu or phone us at 936.294.1040.

• When can I expect to receive my diploma?

  Diplomas will be mailed separately to the graduate’s permanent address on file.