As the spring 2025 semester approaches its end, the University of Houston-Downtown is preparing to celebrate its 78th Commencement Ceremony beginning on May 17 at 1 p.m. This comprehensive guide will provide information to students preparing to graduate.
For later gators graduating with family responsibilities, this achievement represents an extraordinary journey of perseverance and dedication. Balancing coursework with the demands of parenting, maintaining a household, or supporting a spouse requires exceptional time management and sacrifice.
Your diploma symbolizes academic achievement and a powerful example to your children and loved ones about the value of education and the rewards of persistence. This accomplishment demonstrates that learning and growth have no age limit and that transformative goals can be achieved at any stage of life.
The commencement ceremony offers a unique opportunity for your family to witness the culmination of your hard work. Consider arranging a special celebration afterward so your children, spouses and loved ones can rejoice in your accomplishment. For many non-traditional students, including their families in graduation festivities provides meaningful closure to a journey that has impacted the entire household.
Doors to NRG Stadium will open at 11:30 a.m., where students will go through security, pick up call cards, and be prepared to move to the center stadium before the student processional at 1 p.m. It is advised that all graduating students of spring 2025 arrive at 11:30 a.m. to participate in the ceremony.
The commencement will take approximately three hours, and it may vary based on attendance and speakers.
Three hours in the NRG Stadium seating may not be ideal for your younger children, your guests, or those with health issues that impair their ability to sit for long periods. Consider sharing the live-streaming options, such as the UHD website or their Facebook page, with those who would be more comfortable viewing from home. Consider a viewing party for friends and family versus attending in person.
No tickets required for either students or guests. No limit on the number of guests per graduate. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Graduate Hooding Ceremony
There will be a formal ceremony for master’s degree earners to be “hooded” by program faculty on May 10 at 3 p.m. in the Wellness and Success Center. This ceremony does not replace commencement but offers a more intimate celebration specifically for master’s degree recipients.
What to Wear Under Your Regalia
Deciding what to wear for any occasion is always a big question, and graduation is no exception. With photos to be taken and memories to post online, you want to look your best for the big day.
UHD’s spring commencement takes place in May, when temperatures in Houston can be quite warm. While NRG Stadium may be air-conditioned, temperatures inside may vary throughout the ceremony. Keep the following factors in mind as you plan your outfit,
For all graduates, choose lightweight, breathable clothing under your gown and comfortable formal shoes suitable for hours of standing, with minimal jewelry to avoid snagging or noise.
Bachelor’s degree recipients should wear business casual attire like slacks or knee-length skirts or dresses and collared shirts or blouses, avoiding high collars that compete with the gown’s neckline.
Master’s degree recipients should opt for business professional attire, including dress shirts with ties or professional tops and dress pants or skirts in dark or neutral colors that complement hood colors.
Practical tips include securing your cap with bobby pins, choosing hairstyles that won’t interfere with cap placement, selecting lightweight clothes that resist wrinkling for the approximately three-hour ceremony, and dressing in layers with a small water bottle if security permits.
Graduation regalia, such as cap and gown, tassels, diploma frames and stoles, are available in the UHD Bookstore Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed on weekends.
They can also be purchased on the Herf Jones website. Regalia and honor cords cannot be purchased or obtained at NRG Stadium on the day of the ceremony.
Tassels should be worn on the right side until degrees are conferred, then moved to the left. Students eligible for honor cords will be contacted by their Academic Advising Center.
Do you have friends or family who want to attend? Is your girl group or band of friends wanting to congratulate you? The details may help in planning your celebrations, including all ages and stages, and considerations for those who cannot attend due to distance or health issues.
Names are read in alphabetical order within each college:
- College of Sciences and Technology
- College of Public Service
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Marilyn Davies College of Business
Students will receive a walk card to help maintain proper order.
Are your guests attending in person? There are security and venue requirements in NRG Stadium that they should be aware of. Please check the A-Z Guide. For all other inquiries, please contact Guest Experience at [email protected].
NRG Stadium Information
Enter through Gates 8 and 9 off Kirby Drive. Parking costs $25 (plus tax) per car, per entrance. NRG Stadium accepts only major credit cards as the facility is cashless. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout NRG Park on a first-come, first-served basis and are intended for vehicles with proper state-issued placards or license plates in addition to the NRG Park paid parking pass.
Parking staff can assist by directing you to the designated ADA section at the front of the lot. For issues with parking or your event experience, contact Guest Experience at 832-667-1400.
All attendees undergo security screenings, including bag checks and metal detectors. A clear bag policy is in effect, limiting bags to no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12.” One-gallon size plastic Ziploc bags are recommended.
Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, outside flowers or balloons, noisemakers, bullhorns, beach balls or floating/pool devices, sporting balls, large posters or signs, video recorders, audio recorders, professional camera equipment, and outside food or drink, though medical exceptions may be considered.
For special accommodations, email [email protected] or visit the Accessibility Guide link. Strollers are allowed but must be left on the concourse level during the ceremony. Diaper bags and medical bags are permitted but subject to inspection, with clear bags preferred.
Receiving your Diploma
Diplomas will be mailed to graduates’ permanent addresses on record in the weeks following graduation, once all degrees are certified.
A Closing Thought
Should your after-graduation celebration include alcoholic beverages, make sure you plan for transportation via a designated driver or ride-sharing service.
Later Gators, your children seeing you walk across that stage may inspire their own educational aspirations, while spouses who supported your late-night study sessions and shouldered extra responsibilities deserve to share fully in this milestone moment.
And remember to take plenty of family photos in your regalia—these images will become treasured family heirlooms documenting your remarkable achievement.
For additional information and updates, please continue to monitor the UHD website or contact [email protected].
