Fall 2026 University Commencement

Stage Pass

In order for your name to be read, you must have a Stage Pass with your name, phonetic pronunciation (if needed), and contact information for photos after the ceremony. These will be sent via email to bachelor’s and master’s candidates starting December 1. Doctoral candidates will obtain their stage pass during check-in on the day of commencement.

The pass must be printed on white, letter-sized copy paper (8.5” x 11”). If you cannot print the pass, separate instructions will be provided by email to request to pick up your pass from NSM Academic Affairs.

Arrival Time for Students

NOTE: Any bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates that are not able to obtain a Stage Pass prior to the day of commencement must begin arriving at 7:15 AM. Bring your student ID to the check-in.

• Bachelor’s Degree Candidates - Biology and Biochemistry: Begin arriving at 7:30 AM
• Bachelor’s Degree Candidates - Computer Science: Begin arriving at 7:40 AM
• Bachelor’s Degree Candidates - All Other Majors: Begin arriving at 7:50 AM
• Master’s and Doctoral Degree Candidates: Begin arriving at 7:45 AM

Graduate check-in will be at the UH Athletics/Alumni Center on Cullen Blvd. Only graduating students will be allowed in the building for line-up. We will begin preparing for the processional at 8:15 AM. Graduates arriving after that time may not be able to participate.

What to Bring

• Enter the building dressed in your regalia (cap, gown and tassel).
• Bachelor’s and Master’s Candidates: Bring your printed Stage Pass with you to the ceremony. An image on your phone does not take the place of the actual printed page.
• Do not bring extra items with you; there will be no storage area for your possessions.
• Follow the guidelines provided in the Fertitta Center clear bag policy.

Professional Photography

Flash Photography will take your photo as you cross the stage and after exit the stage. They will contact you after the ceremony with proofs of photos that can be purchased.

Cap & Gown

Graduates are required to wear regalia to commencement. You can order regalia online and have it shipped directly to you. The deadline to order regalia online is November 19.

Tickets will be required for guests. Children two years old and younger do not need a ticket. Graduates participating in the ceremony do not need a ticket.

Tickets will be added to graduating students’ UH Student Ticketing Account. Each graduate will receive six (6) electronic, general admission tickets. Tickets are ceremony-specific and may only be used for the ceremony displayed on the ticket.

All commencement tickets are complimentary, and any unused tickets should be returned to the commencement ticket pool. The selling of commencement tickets is not condoned and constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Transferring Tickets

Once your digital graduation tickets are loaded to your online account, you will be able to transfer your tickets to the individuals whom you want to attend your commencement ceremony.

In order to transfer tickets, please use your @cougarnet.uh.edu email address to log in to your account. You will then have the option to transfer tickets via email or mobile phone number.

Those receiving your tickets will need to create an account in order to receive them.

Creating an Account

If the recipient does not already have a UH Ticketing Account, they will need to create one to receive tickets. If your guest(s) already have an account, the system will recognize their email address at login.

If you have further questions, please contact gradtickets@uh.edu or 832.842.GRAD (4723).

• Transfer Tickets
• Accepting a Transfer

Commencement Guest Ticket Lottery

Need additional commencement tickets for your guests? Enter the Commencement Guest Ticket Lottery for a chance to request additonal tickets. A link to a Microsoft Form will become available at the beginning of November to enter the lottery. The Fall 2026 Commencement Guest Ticket Lottery will be open Monday, November 2, 10 AM, through Saturday, November 7, 11:59 PM.

Results will be announced Friday, November 13.

Entering the lottery does not guarantee your participation in commencement. Make sure your graduation application is submitted and approved. Email inquiries will not be considered for additional tickets.

Additional Ticket Lottery Pick-Up Dates & Times

• Monday, November 23 – Wednesday, November 25 (9 AM – 5 PM)
• Monday, November 30 – Friday, December 4 (9 AM – 7 PM)
• Saturday, December 5 (9 AM – 2 PM)

• Directions to Fertitta Center
• Graduates are encouraged to park in Lot 16B.
• Guests should utilize the Stadium Garage located at 3875 Holman Street, Houston, TX 77004 (Holman Street off Scott Street).
• We recommend that guests use Scott Street (instead of Cullen Boulevard) to reach the Stadium Garage.
• Please allow enough time to get to the garage and park.
• University Commencement Parking Map

• General commencement questions: director@uh.edu
• NSM Commencement questions: agilles@central.uh.edu
• Commencement tickets issues or questions: gradtickets@uh.edu