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GERALD D. HINES COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

Graduation

January 2023

Dear Class of 2023 Graduates,

I am excited to announce the University of Houston and Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design’s commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 12th, at 3:00 pm, in the Hines College of Architecture Building.

The Hines College community looks forward to celebrating you and your achievements. Please visit the University’s Commencement website at https://uh.edu/commencement/ for updates. In addition to the University’s website, the College will also share College-specific graduation details in the coming weeks.

With all best wishes, 

Patricia Belton Oliver, FAIA, ACSA Distinguished Professor 
Dean

Graduation Updates and Information

Updated May 9, 2023

Parking and Road Closures
Due to delays in construction by Harris County contractors conducting road work on Cullen Boulevard and Holman Street, Cullen Boulevard will be closed to all vehicles between Elgin Street and Cougar Place Dr. from 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, through Saturday, May 13. These closures will impact our graduation. 

Please read the following information carefully so you and your guests can plan for graduation parking. Everyone should arrive on campus earlier to avoid traffic congestion and ensure the best parking options.

  • Avoid Cullen Blvd. – This road will be closed due to construction during UH Commencement and parking is not available in the Stadium Garage.
  • Graduates and families should park in the Elgin Street Garage. Enter and exit this garage from Spur 5.
  • Avoid Entrance 18 on Elgin Street.
  • We do not recommend parking in lot 16B due to shuttle traffic.
  • Graduation day parking is free, passes are not required.
  • Guests cannot be dropped off at the front north side of the college (this road will be closed). If needed, guests can be dropped off on the south side of the building (campus-side). 

Download the Parking and Road Closures Map.

Commencement Rehearsal
Scheduled for Wednesday, May 10th at 3:00 PM. Graduates must attend to confirm name pronunciations and be present for all other graduation details. A walk-through of the graduation ceremony and day-of graduate line-up will be included during the rehearsal. Student speakers and banner bearers must attend rehearsal.

Commencement Ceremony
Scheduled for Friday, May 12th at 3:00 PM. Students must arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. to check in and line up on the second-floor east corridor. The graduation ceremony will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. Do not arrive late. The doors will open for guests at 1:30 p.m. We will not be able to accommodate guests who arrive earlier than that scheduled time.

Graduation Tickets
Each graduate will receive 6 paper tickets to distribute to family and friends. Graduates do not need a ticket themselves. Due to the size of the graduating class, we cannot accommodate requests for extra tickets in accordance with strict fire code regulations. Compliance with the building’s occupancy codes is required if we want to have the graduation ceremony in this building. The College of Architecture and Design is the only College using paper tickets. We will not accept e-tickets for this event. Notifications will be sent out as soon as items are ready to be picked up from the Student Services Office, Room 151.

Honors/Leadership Cords
Undergraduate students graduating with Latin Honors designation will be given a gold cord to wear with their cap and gown. Students who will be recognized as student leaders will be given a lavender and white cord to wear with their cap and gown. Notifications will be sent out as soon as items are ready to be picked up from the Student Services Office, Room 151.

Walk-Cards
Students must verbally confirm name pronunciations and preferences with Associate Dean Trang Phan at graduation rehearsal. Walk cards will be released to graduates at rehearsal. Unless specified otherwise, names will be called at graduation as they appear on the walk cards. Only graduates who are lined up on the second-floor, east corridor with walk cards in hand may cross the stage on Graduation Day. It is imperative that you keep your walk-card in a safe place and bring it with you on Graduation Day.

Graduation Regalia
If you did not get a chance to pre-order your cap and gown online, you can buy directly from the UH (University of Houston) Campus Store during or after the Spring GraduationCelebration starting on Friday, April 21st from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. when regalia will be on sale. You can also pick up your Grad Fair pre-orders or purchase additional commencement items.

Venue Access
The Architecture building will be open for public access 1.5 hours before the event start time. Access to certain areas of the building will be restricted.

Live Streaming Available 
Live streaming is available for all University of Houston commencement ceremonies for guests who cannot attend in person. Please go to “Live Streams” for day-of viewing for college-specific ceremonies. Live streaming is also available on-site in the Hines College’s Theater and fourth floor. Event staff are available to assist guests with seating.