Graduate walking and smiling to family and friends in the stands

School of Health Professions
Commencement

Graduate Information

Friday, August 22, 2025
10:00 am
Moody Gardens Convention Center, Expo B&C (Off Campus)
Seven Hope Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554

Commencement Day Schedule

  • 8:30 - 8:45 am - Graduates report to Moody Gardens Convention Center, Expo A
  • 9:00 am - ADA Guest Admittance, Expo C entrance
  • 9:15 am - Doors Open to General Seating, Expo B entrance
  • 10:00 am - Commencement ceremony begins, Expo B&C
  • 12:00 pm - Ceremony ends (estimated)

Download & Print: Graduate Commencement Day Schedule and Instructions (.pdf) 

This schedule includes important details regarding rehearsal and FAQs. Students are highly encouraged to print, review and retain for reference. This document will be updated leading up to Commencement Day.

Graduation vs. Commencement

Graduation

Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree. Our graduating candidates must have a degree audit by their advisor, and meet all degree requirements.

The School of Health Professions does not require a graduation application. Not all students who graduate choose to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Graduation candidates who complete the academic requirements set forth by their academic program are invited to participate in Commencement.

Commencement

Commencement is the congratulatory ceremony (walking across the stage) held each fall where families, friends and the UTMB community that include faculty, the SHP Dean and the UTMB President will recognize a candidate's attainment of their degree. Note: Actual degrees are not awarded at the commencement ceremony.

Graduate Checklist

Graduate Checklist

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  • Confirm Graduation Eligibility

    Meet with your department academic advisor to verify all degree requirements have been completed. Your advisor must confirm that you are listed as a graduating student for your intended semester.

    The SHP Bulletin provides additional degree requirement information

    • Graduation Application: The School of Health Professions does not require a graduation application.
  • Commencement Participation

    Participation in Commencement is optional. Students who have successfully completed the academic requirements for their degree program are eligible to take part in the commencement ceremony.

    To participate, students must be in good academic standing and fully cleared for graduation.

    • Fall 2024 Graduates: Students may participate in only one Commencement ceremony. Fall 2024 graduates who did not participate in the August 2024 ceremony are eligible to participate in the 2025 ceremony.
    • Post-Baccalaureate/Graduate Certificate Students: Students receiving a certificate only (and not a degree) are not eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

    ADA Services for SHP Graduates: Degree-seeking candidate who need ADA-related accommodations to participate in the Commencement ceremony are asked to complete the Accessibility Notification Request Form for graduate seating and the Processional/Recessional line up before July 31st. For more details, visit Accommodations for people with Disabilities.

  • Verify Diploma Information

    Update your diploma mailing address and verify your diploma name in MyStar to ensure everything is printed accurately and sent to the correct location. Your name will appear on graduation-related items such as your diploma, seating card, transcripts, and the Commencement Program.

    Also review your contact information in MyStar to make sure your permanent address, phone number, and personal non-UTMB email (e.g., Gmail or Yahoo) are current.

    Please note: Your UTMB student email and MyStar account will remain active for 540 days (18 months) after graduation. Review instructions for forwarding messages and saving important files before access ends.

    Submit Diploma Address

    • Login to MyStar - If you are off campus, you will need to use VPN or Citrix and Duo.
    • Select the "Profile" tile.
    • Select "Addresses" on the left-hand side.
    • Select "Add Diploma Address".
    • Click the "+" sign under "Names".
    • Enter the address you want your diploma mailed to.
    • Select "Save".

    Submit a Diploma Name

    Please note: Your diploma name must match the primary name listed in MyStar.

    • Login to My Star – If you are off campus, you will need to use VPN or Citrix and Duo.
    • Select the "Profile" tile.
    • Select the row listing your primary name to view the name in its entirety. Your diploma name options are as follows:
      1. First Name, Last Name (as listed on your primary name).
      2. First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name (as listed on your primary name).
      3. First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name (as listed on your primary name).
      4. If you do not have a middle name listed in My Star and would like your middle name or middle initial on your diploma, you will need to submit a name change form and official documentation. Once you receive verification that your name change has been processed, you will then login and update your diploma name. The name change form can be found on our website. Records and Enrollment (utmb.edu).
    • Select "X" to go back to the names screen.
    • Select the "+" sign to add a diploma name.
    • In the "Type" drop down box, select "Diploma".
    • Skip Name Format and Prefix.
    • Enter your First, Middle Name or Initial (if applicable) and Last Name as you want it displayed on your diploma. Please note that these must be as listed on your primary name. Nicknames or Preferred Names will not be printed.
    • Enter Suffix only if applicable.
    • Professional titles will not be printed on the diploma (e.g. B.S., M.S., etc.).
    • Select "Save".

     

  • Clear All Holds

    Diplomas and transcripts cannot be released if you have outstanding university holds. Log onto MyStar for financial, compliance, and training holds and resolve them as soon as possible.

  • Order your Regalia, Invitations and Accessories

    All students participating in Commencement must wear official UTMB academic regalia. Rental regalia is included in the Graduation Fee of your SHP Student Tuition and Fees. Each graduate is welcome to keep the Cap/Tam & Tassel as a souvenir at no additional charge. Review rental information, deadlines, pick-up instructions, and additional items available for purchase.

    Cap and Gown Decorations: SHP policy does not allow decorations on caps or gowns, or the use of accessories that are not part of the official academic regalia, as they detract from the formality of the ceremony. Official academic honor cords and medallions may be worn.

    Order Rental Regalia (cap & gown):

    Deadlines:

    • Ordering site pen: Now - June 22, 2025
    • Late ordering dates: June 23, 2025 - July 6, 2025

    Please note: $40 late fee on all orders placed during late registration.

    Missed deadline orders: If you missed the late ordering/registration period, email the UTMB Bookstore at utmbstores@utmb.edu to place an order.

    • There will be a fee of $85.00 on all orders placed after the late registration period has concluded. The deadline for call-in orders will be announced at later date. No extensions.

    Student and Faculty Regalia Pick up:

    • Mon, Aug 18, 2025 | 9am - 3pm
    • Tues, Aug 19, 2025 | 9am - 3pm
    • Wed, Aug 20, 2025 | 9am - 3pm
    • Thurs, Aug 21, 2025 | 9am - 11am
  • Regalia Pick-Up and Return Instructions

    Student and Faculty Regalia Pick up:

    Location: SHP/SON Classroom 1.806 (located inside the Student Success Center in the SON/SON Building).

    • Mon, Aug 18, 2025 | 9am - 3pm
    • Tues, Aug 19, 2025 | 9am - 3pm
    • Wed, Aug 20, 2025 | 9am - 3pm
    • Thurs, Aug 21, 2025 | 9am - 11am

    Unable to Pick Up Regalia in Advance?
    All regalia not picked up by this time will be taken to the Moody Gardens and available for continued distribution Friday morning, August 22, 2025 starting at 8:30 am.

    Need A Friend to pick up?
    Students will need a badge or ID for the pick-up. If anyone cannot pick it up and would like to assign a friend or family member to pick up for them, they will need to email the Campus Store at bookstor@utmb.edu, giving that person authorization for the pick-up. They will also need their ID for pick up. Please get in touch with the bookstore directly with any regalia-related questions.

    DO NOT iron these rental gowns – All rental regalia will be delivered pressed and there will be no need to iron.

    Regalia Return: Student and Faculty Regalia must be returned immediately following the commencement ceremony (day of) within one (1) hour of the ceremony's conclusion. Failure to return regalia immediately following the ceremony will result in a $300 fee on the student account, transcript holds, and a hold on your diploma.

    Invitations/Announcements/Rings: Can be purchased online from Balfour (3rd tab), coordinated by the UTMB Bookstore.

    Diploma Frames: Please stop by the Campus Store or visit the Campus Store website.

    Have ordering questions or need assistance? Contact Balfour at 1-844-711-6100 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm CST, Monday - Friday, or the UTMB Campus Store at 409-772-1939.

  • Join the SHP Alumni Association

    The UTMB School of Health Professions Alumni Association exists to strengthen and support the School of Health Professions by promoting life-long relationships between alumni, current students, faculty, university leadership, and friends of UTMB.

    Sign-up at SHP Alumni Association

    UTMB also has a Young Alumni Program, a fun way to stay connected after you graduate. Visit and "Like" the UTMB Alumni Facebook Page today!

  • Prepare for Commencement Day

    Review the Commencement Day instructions carefully, including deadlines, arrival, line-up, and ceremony details. Important updates regarding your graduation status will be sent to your UTMB student email address, and additional details will be posted on this webpage leading up to the event. Further questions can be directed to shpevents@utmb.edu. 

    Walk-Through Video

    Please take a moment to watch this brief 3-minute instructional video outlining the Commencement walk-through process.

Other Important Information

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  • Ceremony
    • Doors will open approximately 1 hour before the ceremony. The ceremony will be held at the Moody Gardens Convention Center, Expo Hall B&C starting at 10:00 am.
    • All names will be called. The ceremony should take approximately 1.5-2 hours.
    • After the ceremony, please exit the Expo Hall South Lobby to congratulate your graduate. No entry to the North Lobby will be allowed.
    • Tickets are NOT required for guest.
    • Seating is on first-come, first-serve basis. Doors will open 9:15 am. Large groups may want to arrive earlier to find seats together. Please be mindful of savings seats for others. 
    • Doors will close if maximum capacity is reached per the Fire Marshall.
  • Event Day Parking and Directions

    Parking is available in the Moody Gardens Convention Center Parking Garage and surrounding lots as directed. Follow the directional signs upon entering the Moody Gardens property complex to the Convention Center Parking Garage.

    Download & Print: Moody Gardens Parking Map

    Directions: https://www.moodygardens.com/visitor-info/map-directions

    Shortest Route - From I-45 south, exit 61st Street. Right on 61st Street and again on Jones Road. Right on Hope Boulevard to Moody Gardens.

    Via Seawall Boulevard Map - From I-45 South, exit 61st Street. Right on Seawall Blvd. Right on 81st Street. Left on Hope Boulevard to Moody Gardens.