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 a virtual University-wide Commencement ceremony Thursday, December 17 to celebrate all our 2020 graduates. Following this ceremony, select Colleges will host virtual celebrations. Below is the schedule of events.

    Thursday, December 17, 2020

    University-Wide Commencement Ceremony | 7 p.m.


    Friday, December 18, 2020 

    Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts Celebration | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

    College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Celebration | 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

    Cullen College of Engineering Celebration | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

    College of Nursing Celebration | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

    C.T. Bauer College of Business Celebration | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

     

    Saturday, December 19, 2020

    Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management Celebration | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

    College of Education Celebration | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

    College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Celebration | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

    College of Technology Celebration | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

     

    Is there any possibility that the virtual ceremony will be changed to a live, in-person ceremony? 

    Currently, there are no plans to have an in-person ceremony due to public health guidelines.

     

    We have heard that some universities are having in-person ceremonies. Is there a possibility that UH will do the same?

    We understand our graduates’ disappointment that we are unable to hold an in-person commencement ceremony. The decision not to host a large event in December is based on advice from public health experts. Research shows that large group events and extended family travel create a greater risk for community spread. The strong potential for a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus in late fall/early winter is one reason the university also altered this semester's academic calendar to end in-person classes after Thanksgiving.

     

    Will the University consider holding any type of hybrid graduation? 

    At this time, there is no plan for a hybrid graduation ceremony. Please see the commencement webpage for a schedule of participating colleges that will host virtual celebrations.

     

    What will the virtual ceremony look like?

    The virtual University-wide commencement ceremony will resemble a traditional ceremony during which degrees will be officially conferred. Additionally, many of our individual Colleges are hosting a virtual celebration to showcase their graduates.

     

    Will it be more interactive than just my name scrolling on a screen? 

    The University-wide Commencement will have most of the components you would have experienced in an in-person ceremony. It will include greetings from President Renu Khator and Chairman of the University of Houston System Board of Regents Tilman Fertitta, the presentation of President’s Medallion, honorary degrees and academic honors. The commencement address will be followed by the presentation of degree candidates by Provost Paula Myrick Short and College deans and culminate with the conferral of degrees. After the congratulatory message from the UH Alumni Association, the program will end with the singing of the alma mater.

    All 12,000 graduate names will be scrolled and read. However, you will not need to view 10+ hours of video to find your name. There will be a way for you to click ahead to your College and Department to view your name.

     

    Can I participate in an in-person graduation once they are allowed again?

    Yes. We are committed to inviting back graduates to a future, in-person ceremony when it is safe to do so.

     

    Will there be separate virtual ceremonies for each college?

    Some colleges have decided to host a virtual graduation celebration. However, this is not the official ceremony of the University. Please see the schedule 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 deadline to apply for fall 2020 graduation is October 2, 2020. The deadline for late filing is October 30, 2020. 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

     

    Will we receive our degree before the new graduation date?

    Absolutely. Although we have delayed the ceremonies, we will not be delaying certifying degrees for fall 2020. Pending any changes to the semester calendar or changes in mail delivery, we will proceed with certifying degrees as normal. For more information please visit the following website.

    Office of the University Registrar

     

    Will there be a commencement program for the graduates?

    Yes, a digital commencement program will be posted online at www.uh.edu/commencement prior to the virtual ceremony.

     

    Do I need to purchase a cap and gown? 

    It is not necessary to purchase a cap and gown to participate in the virtual Commencement or College celebrations. However, you may want to purchase these items if you plan to have your photo taken to commemorate this milestone in your life. The decision is up to you.

    Click here to place an online order

     

    Where can I order Class of 2020 spirit items?

     

    Click here to place an online order

     

    What is the deadline to place online orders for regalia?

    The last day to order graduation regalia online is Sunday, November 22, 2020. Orders placed after this date may incur additional fees. 

     

    I ordered my regalia online; can I have it shipped? 

    Yes, we are partnering with our vendor to get online orders shipped to the student. Once you have placed your order please allow 2-3 weeks for the order to be shipped and delivered. 

     

    How do I return my rental doctoral regalia? 

    ​Once commencement is over, you can return your rental doctoral gowns by shipping it back using the pre-paid return labeled provided by Herff Jones. Please note, you can keep the doctoral hoods and the tam as they are class keeper items. 

    For all other 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 note that as the pandemic continues to evolve, so will the University’s plans. Continue to monitor this website for the most up-to-date information.