Frequently Asked Questions

Spring 2024 FAQs

  • Is there a change to the commencement stage procedure?

    For the safety of all students, increasing accessibility, and like other universities in the state, we are moving the stage to the floor as part of the ceremony. Graduates will be recognized by name and receive their diplomas from President White. This change will not limit the audience’s view of the graduates.

  • What should graduates bring or not bring to Commencement?

    What to Bring and What Not to Bring

    • Bring your graduation cap (with tassel), appropriate gown, and appropriate hood (masters and doctoral candidates), and hat (doctoral candidates).
    • Purses and backpacks are not permitted on the coliseum floor. Items left unattended in the line-up rooms of the HKC are not the responsibility of the graduation personnel.
  • Where will the Commencement ceremonies be held?

    All ceremonies will be held at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum at Sam Houston State University.

    Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
    1964 Bobby K Marks Drive
    Huntsville, TX 77340

    Open on Google Maps Parking Map

  • I am graduating. When should I arrive?

    Graduates should check-in at the Health and Kinesiology Center at least one hour prior to their scheduled ceremony. Signage will be posted in the general area to follow to the check-in location. 

  • How do I know which college ceremony to attend?

    Students can locate the college to which they belong in DegreeWorks. Information regarding specific college ceremonies can be found on the Commencement website. 

  • Where should guests park?

    Guest may park in several lots at no charge for Commencement. Complimentary shuttles will be available 90 minutes prior to each ceremony for ADA or mobility impaired guests. Vehicles with ADA rearview parking tags should park in the lower lot, east of the Coliseum.

    Commencement Parking Map

  • Will tickets be required for guests?

    Tickets are required for Commencement and eligible graduates will receive an initial guest ticket allotment of 8 tickets per graduate. No additional guest tickets will be available at a later time. Graduates may reserve tickets using their SAM ID beginning March 1st at GoBearkats.com. Reservations will close on April 26th. Graduates will not need to claim a ticket for Commencement; however, all guests must present a ticket to gain admittance. A live webcast will be provided for all ceremonies for those who are unable to attend.

    To Claim Guest Tickets

    1. Visit GoBearkats.com and under the Buy Tickets Tab, select Commencement Tickets
    2. Click Register Your Student Account and enter SAM ID
    3. Update your account information and create a password. Your account is now active*
      *For additional help, contact 936.294.1040 or graduationtickets@shsu.edu for assistance.
    4. Log in to your account. Click Find Tickets next to Spring 2023 Commencement
    5. Select the number of seats, then click Continue
    6. Select your delivery method: Mobile. You may assign tickets to each guest in your account. Your tickets will be sent directly to your SHSU email.
    7. Click Add Package
    8. Your account information will be displayed. Ensure your email address is correct and click Place Your Order
    9. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket information

    Claim Guest Tickets

    Seat Map

  • What if I have guests that needs ADA seating?
    • Those guests with disabilities who wish to sit in special sections on the coliseum floor will be directed to those areas by University Police Officers and ushers.
    • Additional information, please visit the Guests with Disabilities page.
  • How can I request disability accommodations for the Commencement ceremonies at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum?

    Graduates may request reasonable accommodations through the Office of the Registrar.

  • Do guests with disabilities require tickets?
    • All guests will require a ticket to gain entrance to the coliseum.
    • There are not specified tickets for ADA seating, tickets will be reserved with the other allotted tickets.
  • Can disabled guests have someone accompany them?
    • Disabled guests are allowed no more than one individual to accompany and sit with them in ADA seating.
  • How early should disabled guests arrive?
    • Guests with disabilities should arrive roughly 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
    • Enter the Coliseum through the east tunnel (see parking directions below).
  • Do children require a ticket?
    • Children ages 3 and under or capable of sitting on someone’s lap will not require a ticket.
  • Do I need to wear regalia to the ceremony?

    Yes, SHSU approved regalia can be ordered through Herff Jones prior to the commencement ceremony. 

    Regalia can also be purchased through the SHSU Bookstore up until Commencement. Deadline to order regalia is April 14th, 2024.

  • When should my guests arrive?

    Doors will open an hour and a half in advance of each ceremony. It is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour prior to the ceremony to allow time to park, navigate to Johnson Coliseum, have tickets scanned, and find seats.

    Seat Map

  • Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

    Yes, the ceremony will be live and immediately available for on-demand viewing. After the ceremony, the video will be archived on the university’s Commencement website. 

  • When will I receive my diploma?

    Actual diplomas will be mailed to the permanent legal address on record (check your permanent legal address) approximately eight weeks after commencement. Students should confirm address information prior to the last day of the term in order to ensure diplomas are mailed to the correct address.

  • Are there established social media hashtags?

    #SHSU24. We would love for you to share photos of yourself in your regalia, with your family, making commencement memories. You can share those with us on social media using our hashtag.

  • Are noise makers allowed?

    As a courtesy to all graduates, we do not allow noise makers during the graduation ceremonies.