2024 School of Public Health Commencement Ceremony
The 2024 School of Public Health Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10:00 am CDT at NRG Center, 1 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77054.
Note: All summer 2023, fall 2023, and spring 2024 graduates from all campuses are eligible to participate.
School of Public Health Commencement Websites
Ceremony information specific to School of Public Health graduates will be featured on the SPH commencement sites.
Photos from commencement can be accessed here.
Preparation and Ceremony Instructions for Graduates
2024 Pre-Commencement Reception
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm-7:30 pm CDT
Place: Eunice Restaurant, 3737 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77098
Map (Corner of Buffalo Speedway and Richmond Avenue. Enter from the Richmond Avenue side to park in the garage on the left or for valet parking at the door.)
Garage and valet parking are free. Guests will receive a parking validation at the hostess stand inside the restaurant.
Details
Location Information:
NRG Center
1 Fannin St.
Houston, TX 77054
Driving Directions and Parking
The Orange Lot is the designated lot for the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Commencement ceremony.
- Parking is $20 per vehicle. Credit or debit card only.
- Enter from Gates 3, 4, 9 or 10.
- Accessible parking is available in Orange Lot areas 6, 8, 10, and 13.
- Download the parking map here.
Shuttle Service
Graduates, faculty, and guests attending the ceremony may utilize the complimentary shuttle service to and from NRG Center. Prior to the ceremony, the shuttle will pick up guests in the circular driveway (in front of the MD Anderson skybridge) at the School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, Texas 77030. After the ceremony, the bus will return attendees from NRG Center to the School of Public Health. Please note that schedules are subject to traffic conditions. All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible.
Shuttle Schedule:
Shuttles will run every 10-15 minutes from each location.
School of Public Health to NRG Center
7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. CDT
NRG Center to School of Public Health
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. CDT
Ceremony
Doors open for graduates and guests: 7:30 a.m. CDT
Approximate end time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Livestream and Recording Link: Available prior to the event.
Guest Attendance
- We are not imposing a guest limit, and tickets are not required for the commencement ceremony. Guest seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Graduates attending the May 11 pre-commencement reception can bring two guests maximum.
Livestream
Recap
Program
Invitation and RSVP
All summer 2023, fall 2023, and spring 2024 graduates from all campuses are eligible to participate in the May 18 commencement ceremony. Graduates must RSVP to attend. We are not imposing a guest limit, and tickets are not required for the ceremony.
The commencement invitation and RSVP form will be sent to the home emails of all summer 2023, fall 2023, spring 2024 graduation candidates in February, 2024.
Preparation
Regalia
- Regalia Order Instructions:2024 School of Public Health Graduate Regalia Order Instructions
- Rental
- Deadlines
- February 20-March 31 (no refunds after this period)
- April 1-May 11 (late fee)
- Rental regalia will be brought onsite by the vendor on the day of the ceremony pressed and ready-to-wear.
- Deadlines
- Purchase
- Deadline: March 30
- Purchased regalia will be shipped to the mailing address entered on the order.
Diplomas
- School of Public Health graduates will not receive their diplomas at the ceremony.
- Summer and fall graduates receive their diplomas months prior to the ceremony.
- Spring graduates will receive their diplomas approximately three months after the ceremony.
- Official UTHealth Houston School of Public Health diploma frames are available to order online through the USA Diploma Frames website.
Ceremony Day
Arrival
- Check in starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Graduates’ Check-in area. Graduates must arrive by 8:15 a.m.
- Personal Belongings
- Graduates should leave personal items with their guests. Items carried to the graduate seating section should be placed in pockets or left in the seat when walking to the stage. Do not carry any items with you to the stage.
- Graduates should leave personal items with their guests. Items carried to the graduate seating section should be placed in pockets or left in the seat when walking to the stage. Do not carry any items with you to the stage.
Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health Stoles
- Delta Omega stoles will be distributed at the check-in table.
Attire
Note: This is a formal event that serves as both the commencement and convocation to celebrate and publicly confer your degree. The University president, school deans and University of Texas System representatives will be present.
The dress for graduates under the regalia and for guests is business casual. Due to the warm weather conditions that are typical during May, lightweight clothing is recommended.
- Necklaces should be tucked inside of the gown.
- No sneakers or other athletic shoes, flip flops, slippers, sandals, bare feet or just socks.
- High heeled shoes are allowed but not recommended if you are not comfortable walking in them on stairs or ramps, on a variety of surfaces, or standing in them for up to 20 minutes.
- No props (e.g. feather boas, glow-in-the-dark or lighted items, bells, etc.) or decorations should be worn on any part of the regalia.
- Stoles, sashes and cords directly related to academic achievements or official UTHealth Houston student organizations are allowed.
Photography
During the ceremony, professional stage and candid photos will be taken and available for free download through a link sent to participants approximately one week after the event. Stations will be available in the mail hall for family and friends to take pictures with graduates.
Photos from past events and graduation ceremonies can be accessed here.