To honor all of its participating graduates, the university will present three consecutive ceremonies in Hofheinz Pavilion. Each graduating student in attendance will be recognized at these events. More than 2,300 students are expected to take part in UH General Commencement.
In previous years, UH graduates received diplomas in smaller ceremonies based upon their field of study: liberal arts, engineering, natural sciences and the like. This year, the ceremonies showcase the university as a community rather than a collection of individual departments.
"I think it takes an entire university to graduate a student, everybody from professors to staff people who advise students to those people who keep the grounds," said UH President Renu Khator, who pushed for the changes.
A highlight of Commencement will be the awarding of two Presidential Medallions in recognition of service to the university and higher education. Recipients are:
- Bill Hobby: The former lieutenant governor and former UH chancellor helped lead a successful campaign for Proposition 4, a constitutional amendment to increase state funding for emerging research universities in Texas.
- Greater Houston Partnership: The organization made Tier One research excellence for UH its top legislative agenda item and supported additional state funding for higher education.
The schedule of Commencement ceremonies is as follows:
- 9 a.m.: Ceremony 1
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management - 3 p.m.: Ceremony 2
C.T. Bauer College of Business, Cullen College of Engineering - 7 p.m.: Ceremony 3
College of Technology, College of Education, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Commencement ceremonies will be simultaneously broadcast in the Science and Engineering Complex Auditorium (SEC-Room 100), located just across Cullen Boulevard. This facility will serve as an overflow option for those who arrive late or are unable to find seating in Hofheinz Pavilion.
Parking for graduates is available at Lot 16B off of Cullen Boulevard. Guests may park in Lot 15D next to Robertson Stadium and across from the pavilion at Cullen Boulevard and Holman Street. Parking for media is available in Lot 15C, also across from the pavilion at Cullen and Holman streets.
To view a live video stream of the ceremonies or for additional details, visit http://www.uh.edu/commencement/.
| WHAT: | Fall 2009 General Commencement at UH |
| WHEN: | 9 a.m. - Ceremony 1; 3 p.m. - Ceremony 2; 7 p.m. - Ceremony 3 |
| WHERE: | University of Houston - Hofheinz Pavilion Intersection of Cullen Boulevard and Holman Street |
| WHO: | The University of Houston |