The Hobby School's Spring 2024 University Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cullen Performance Hall.

The Hobby School will not be holding a Fall 2023 or Summer 2024 University Commencement Ceremony. Fall 2023 and Summer 2024 graduates will be invited to attend the Spring 2024 ceremony.

For more information, visit the University Commencement page.

The following are some FAQs about the Hobby School's ceremony:

How do I apply to graduate?

In order to apply to graduate, follow these steps:

1) Log into AccessUH

2) Click on “myUH Self Service” icon

3) Click on "Student Center" icon

4) Click on "My Academics"

5) Click "Apply for graduation" and then complete the process

Your application to graduate has nothing to do with walking in the University Commencement ceremony.

The regular filing period deadline to apply for Spring 2024 graduation is Friday, March 1. The graduation application fee is $25 and non-refundable. If you wait until after this date, the price increases to $50, and you also run the risk of not applying in time. The late filing period deadline is Friday, March 29.

The regular filing period deadline to apply for Summer 2024 graduation is Friday, July 12. The graduation application fee is $25 and non-refundable. If you wait until after this date, the price increases to $50, and you also run the risk of not applying in time. The late filing period deadline is Friday, July 26.

University Commencement ceremony participation or name listing in a commencement program doesn't confirm that a student has graduated. The final grades for a student's last semester are usually not entered and verified until all University Commencement ceremonies have been concluded.

In order to graduate from the program, students must satisfy all program requirements, and be approved to graduate from the Hobby School and the university.

What is a University Commencement ceremony?

University Commencement is the graduation ceremony for the Hobby School’s undergraduate and graduate students, and designed to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students.

When is the University Commencement ceremony?

The Spring 2024 University Commencement ceremony for the Hobby School is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony, and graduates and their guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. The ceremony will last approximately for an hour.

Where is the University Commencement ceremony?

The Spring 2024 University Commencement ceremony is tentatively scheduled to take place on campus in the Cullen Performance Hall. The address is 4300 University Drive.

Can students that are planning to graduate in Summer 2024 participate in the Spring 2024 University Commencement ceremony?

Yes. Students that are planning to graduate in Summer 2024 will be invited to participate in the Spring 2024 University Commencement ceremony.

Will there be a rehearsal/walkthrough prior to the University Commencement ceremony?

The Hobby School's non-mandatory rehearsal/walkthrough for the Spring 2024 University Commencement ceremony is Monday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. in Cullen Performance Hall.

Where do University Commencement attendees park?

The Spring 2024 University Commencement attendees are encouraged to park in the Welcome Center Parking Garage directly across from the UH Hilton. The address for the Welcome Center Parking Garage is 4400 University Drive.

For more information about parking, visit the Visitor Parking page.

Are students required to attend the University Commencement ceremony?

No. While graduates are highly encouraged to attend, they are not required. However, all students need to confirm with the Hobby School if they are going to attend or not.

The Hobby School will send out an e-mail asking graduating students if you are planning to attend the University Commencement and what information we need from you, such as number of expected guests.

What will be the guest limitations for this University Commencement ceremony?

For the Spring 2024 University Commencement ceremony, there will be a limit of six guests per graduating student. Additional guest tickets can be requested.

Will there be a professional photographer at the University Commencement ceremony?

Guests should feel free to bring cameras and take photos and videos. They may not stand in the aisles during the ceremony. We also suggest that family photographers take photos at home and at other locations on campus prior to or after the ceremony.

A professional photographer will be present at the ceremony, and graduates will be able to later order pictures from the photographer directly.

Will the University Commencement ceremony be live streamed?

Yes. In order to view the live stream of the event, go to the Hobby School's Graduation Live Streams page.

Will there be a University Commencement reception?

No, not for the Spring 2024 ceremony.

How do I order University Commencement regalia and other essentials for graduation?

University Commencement regalia items can be ordered online via the Herff Jones commencement vendor. In addition, these items can be purchased directly at the UH Campus Store.

Pi Alpha Alpha honor students can also purchase Pi Alpha Alpha-specific items via Kenneth E. Jernigan & Associates.

For undergraduate programs (Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Public Policy), the Hobby School's tassel is peacock blue.

For graduate programs (Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, and graduate certificates), the Hobby School's hood color is peacock blue and tassel is black.

When will I receive my diploma and what name will appear?

Diplomas take approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the close of the semester for colleges to review graduation applications and submit their decisions to the Office of the University Registrar for processing. Diplomas are ordered once a student has been approved and a degree officially conferred and posted.

Diplomas are mailed directly to students at the most current address provided via AccessUH. The diploma printing company also will send e-mail notifications to diploma recipients indicating when diplomas have been mailed.

University records of a name for diplomas are based upon applications for admission. Subsequent name changes, along with copies of documentation, should be promptly reported to the Office of the University Registrar.

For more information about diplomas, visit the Office of the University Registrar's Diploma page.