FAQs - University of Houston
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Office of Protocol and Special Events

Frequently Asked Questions

  • University Commencement

    UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

     

    When is Graduation? 

    The University of Houston will host safe and socially distanced, in-person commencement ceremonies on May 12th – 19th for our 2021 graduates. Please note that the ceremonies will be live-streamed for those who are unable to join in-person.

     

    Is there any possibility that the in-person ceremonies will be changed to virtual ceremonies? 

    Currently, there are no plans to have virtual ceremonies.  We will continue to monitor the health situation and make adjustments if it becomes necessary.

     

    Will the University consider holding any type of hybrid graduation? 

    It has always been our custom to record all our commencement ceremonies.  We will do this again in May to make them available for those that could not attend the in-person ceremonies or want to watch them again.

     

     I graduated in 2020. Will I be able to participate in an in-person commencement ceremony?

    Yes. We are committed to inviting back 2020 graduates to their own ceremony.  More details will be announced as they become available.

     

    Will there be separate in-person ceremonies for each college?

    Yes. Each college will hold its own commencement ceremony. A schedule has been published on the commencement webpage www.uh.edu/commencement.

     

    Will the ceremonies be live-streamed for viewing via the web?

    Yes, all ceremonies will be live-streamed.

     

    Can my family watch/attend if they are not in Texas? 

    Absolutely! Anywhere they can access the internet, they will be able to watch the ceremony. The video recording will also be available afterwards for those who missed it the first time or who would like to view it again.

     

    What is the deadline to apply for graduation?

    The regular filling period for spring 2021 graduation was November 13, 2020 – March 5, 2021. The deadline for late filing is March 26, 2021. Please see the following links for more information.

    Undergraduate Catalog Calendar

    www.uh.edu/academic-calendar-undergraduate

    Graduate Catalog Calendar

    www.uh.edu/academic-calendar-graduate

     

    When will I receive my diploma?

    It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the close of the term for colleges to review graduation applications and submit their decisions to the registrar’s office for processing. Diplomas are ordered once students have been approved and degrees officially conferred and posted.

    Your diploma will be mailed directly to you at the most current address provided through your myUH student account. The diploma printing company also will send email notifications to you indicating when your diploma has been mailed. It’s important to keep contact information updated in myUH to avoid shipment delays.

     

    Do I need to purchase a cap and gown? 

    Yes. Graduation candidates wishing to participate in commencement ceremonies must wear regalia. The deadline to order regalia is April 18, 2021. 

    For all questions regarding regalia, please contact the UH Bookstore at campusstore@uh.edu or call 713-741-7095.

     

    How do I return my rental doctoral regalia? 

    ​Once commencement is over, you can return your rental doctoral gowns at the collection bins located in the event venue. Please note, you can keep the doctoral hoods and the tam as they are class keeper items. 

    For all questions regarding regalia, please contact the UH Bookstore at campusstore@uh.edu or call 713-741-7095.

    For all questions regarding invitations, please contact Herff Jones at 1-800-837-4235.

     

    How do I get my class ring?

    For specific questions regarding the class ring program, email Elaine Duke at evduke@uh.edu or visit the Houston Alumni Association webpage.

     

    Please continue to monitor this website for the most up-to-date information.