Graduates
Deadlines & Notable Dates
| October 10, 2025 | Commencement Information Form |
| February 18, 2026 | Class of 2026 Group Photo in front of the Ashbel Smith Building "Old Red" |
| March 2, 2026 | Special Hooder Request Form Deadline |
| March 9, 2026 | Class Oath Selection Deadline
Class Speaker Nomination Deadline |
| March 29, 2026 | Student Regalia Ordering Deadline |
| April 6, 2026 | Student Biography and Photograph Form Deadline |
| May 26–28, 2026 | Student, Faculty and Special Hooder Regalia Pick Up |
| May 30, 2026 | Commencement Ceremony |
Regalia
Academic regalia is the traditional dress for MD candidates participating in the John Sealy School of Medicine Commencement Ceremony. If the student misses the deadline of March 29, 2026, to order their regalia, the regalia ordering website will open for a limited time. Students will be responsible for any late or other processing fees.
The John Sealy School of Medicine provides one unit of complimentary regalia rentals for students.
When ordering your regalia, you'll need your UTMB Student ID number to log in to Balfour. Enter your full UTMB Student ID number, including leading zeros.
Example: 000123456
STUDENTS – ORDER YOUR REGALIA
How to Measure for Your Gown / How to Wear Your Regalia
Special Hooders
Graduates may request a Special Hooder, which allows them to be hooded on stage by an eligible family member, pending approval. Eligibility requirements are:
- Special Hooders must be a parent, spouse, sibling, or other immediate family of the graduate.
- Individuals holding an MD or DO degree may serve as Special Hooders, regardless of faculty status.
- Individuals holding a PhD must be a current UTMB faculty member to be considered.
- Friends, mentors, colleagues, and non-family members are not eligible to serve as Special Hooders.
- A maximum of two Special Hooder requests may be submitted per graduate. Please fill out two Special Hooder requests if you want two people to perform your hooding.
- All Special Hooder Request Forms must be submitted by March 2, 2026.
Special Hooders are required to:
- Special Hooders are required to attend rehearsal the morning of commencement and must arrive by 7:45AM.
- Special Hooders must wear full academic regalia and will participate in the faculty procession.
- Hooders may wear their own regalia or rent through Balfour (approximately $107; rental cost is the responsibility of the hooder).
- Regalia rental links will be sent to students and hooders after approval.
SPECIAL HOODER REQUEST FORM
Rehearsal Information
Students are required to attend rehearsal prior to the commencement ceremony prior. Rehearsal will take place the morning of commencement, May 30, 2026 at 8:00AM – please note, students must be present in full regalia attire at the Moody Gardens Convention Center by 7:45AM.
Protocols and Conduct
Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. Graduates and families are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner throughout rehearsal and the ceremony.
Have Questions?