Commencement

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  

Guests 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  

Tickets are required for Commencement and eligible graduates will receive an allotment of 8 tickets. Graduates will be notified via SHSU email when tickets will become available. 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.  

Please visit Commencement Tickets for additional information.

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.

For additional information, please visit the Guests with Disabilities page.

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.  

Disabled guests are allowed no more than one individual to accompany and sit with them in ADA seating.  

Guests with disabilities should arrive roughly 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony and will enter the Coliseum through the east tunnel.  

Commencement Parking Map 

Children ages 3 and under (or capable of sitting on someone’s lap) will not require a ticket.  

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 

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. 

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

Yes; umbrellas, outside food and drinks, air horns, large bags, strollers, and tripods are not allowed in the coliseum. 

Yes, 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. 

Family members and/or guests are not permitted on the arena floor.