Graduation

Congratulations, Graduates!

This webpage and its resources links are your ultimate resource for everything you need to know about applying for graduation, meeting the requirements to participate in the Commencement Ceremony, and getting that diploma in your hands.

Important Deadlines

Graduation means that if you complete all the academic program requirements, you will receive your diploma and have it reflected on your transcript. Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate your achievements. To ensure that you can fully participate in the graduation festivities, it's crucial to adhere to the deadlines below. 

Deadlines: Only students who apply for graduation by the deadline and register for Commencement by the deadline will be eligible to walk in the ceremony. 

• April 1 | Graduation Application Deadline | Your journey to graduation officially begins with the submission of your graduation application. The first step is to meet with an academic advisor to apply for graduation. Approval from an Academic Advisor is required to apply for graduation.
• April 18 | Commencement Ceremony Deadline | To walk in the ceremony and celebrate your success with friends and family, you must register for Commencement by the deadline. 
  
  

Don't let these deadlines slip by you! Check your student email address often and mark your calendars to take action early. 

Commencement Ceremony Details

Commencement is the event to celebrate your accomplishment and walk across the stage. At-a-glance details for the Commencement Ceremony are below.  

• For: Spring 2025 Graduates
• Date: Friday, May 16
• Location: NRG Arena (1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054)
• Ceremony Times: 

  There will be a morning and afternoon ceremony option. Graduates will only be able to attend the ceremony time they register to attend.

  • Morning Ceremony: 9 a.m.
    • 7 a.m.: Arrival time for graduates.
    • 8 a.m.: To manage traffic, guests will be admitted into the building no earlier than one hour before the ceremony.
    • 9 a.m.: Ceremony begins
      • The ceremony can last up to 2.5 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.
  • Afternoon Ceremony: 2 p.m.
    
    • 12 p.m.: Required arrival time for graduates.
    • 1 p.m.: To manage traffic, guests will be admitted into the building no earlier than one hour before the ceremony. 
    • 2 p.m.: Ceremony begins
      • The ceremony can last up to 2.5 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.

• Livestream: On the day of the ceremony, your loved ones may visit hccs.edu/live to watch the ceremony live.