2026 JSSOM MD Commencement

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2026!

Graduate Highlights

Families & Guests

Seating

Doors to the Moody Gardens Convention Center open at 9AM for guests – this is to ensure that all graduates, faculty, staff and other members part of the commencement ceremony are in place and ready for the event. Majority seating is on a first-come first-serve basis in bleachers. Seating sections closer to the stage typically fill faster. Accessible seating areas are available and reserved for guests who require accommodations. Additionally, there is limited floor seating available for guests.

Guests wishing to sit closer to the stage are encouraged to plan accordingly for an early arrival.

Hotel Accommodations

The Moody Gardens Hotel has reserved a room block for the John Sealy School of Medicine Commencement Ceremony.

The group rate is $242 (plus taxes and fees). The booking dates available are starting Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, May 31, 2026. The deadline to book and modify reservations is Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM

Directions & Parking

Directions from Houston

  • Take Interstate 45 South (I-45 S)
  • Take exit 1A from I-45 S and turn right on 61st St.
  • Continue straight and turn right on Stewart Rd.
  • Continue straight, and merge right into Jones Dr., continue straight
  • Turn right on Sky Master Rd., you will see a parking garage on your right-hand side, please proceed to enter, this is where you will park to attend the commencement ceremony

Directions Within Galveston

  • If you are on Seawall Blvd., continue straight until 81st St.
  • Turn right on 81st St. (it will eventually turn into Jones Dr.)
  • Turn left on Sky Master Rd.
  • You will see a parking garage on your right-hand side, please proceed to enter, this is where you will park to attend the commencement ceremony

Accessibility Services

ADA Parking

The Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center has reserved accessible parking available for guests at first-come first-serve basis. Guests who require accommodations, have access to ADA drop-off at the parking garage entrance. Drivers may notify campus police upon arrival to access the ADA drop-off point. After drop-off, drivers will be directed to park in the garage.

ADA Seating

Accessible seating areas are available and reserved for guests who require accommodations. Additionally, there is limited floor seating available for guests.

ASL Interpreters

Two sign language, American/ASL interpreters will be present throughout the ceremony. They will be highlighted throughout the ceremony livestream to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the ceremony and see their loved ones walk the stage.

Gifts and Merchandise

The UTMB Campus Bookstore will have an open booth at the commencement ceremony. Additionally, you can visit the UTMB Campus Online Store to view the webstore catalog.