Graduation

Graduation

Academic Regalia

Candidates for Graduation

Registrar

Offices & Services

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

Graduation Information
As we begin the 2012-2013 academic year, many students have an eye turned towards graduation, as well as the May 2013 commencement ceremony. Here are a few reminders to keep in mind as you complete your degree.

Special Events

Commencement Celebration Schedule: Commencement is just around the corner. The following information will be updated and expanded if we have additional details, so please plan on checking the website frequently as we get closer to May 17th and 18th. There is one Commencement Ceremony; graduates from December 2012, May 2013, and Summer 2013 are eligible to participate.

Baccalaureate Mass

Location: Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, downtown Houston on St. Joseph Pkwy. between San Jacinto and Fannin
Date & Time: Friday, May 17, 2013, 6:30 p.m. (Participants should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m.)
Regalia: Students will wear caps & gowns (no hoods) and process as a group to their seats.
Parking: Free parking will be available in the Moran Center garage, with shuttle bus service to the Cathedral beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Graduation Reception

Location: On Campus
Date & Time: Friday, May 17, 2013, following the Baccalaureate Mass (approximately 8:00)
Parking: Free parking will be available in the Moran Center garage
For questions: Please contact the Alumni Relations office at 713-942-3407.

Commencement Ceremony

Location: Reliant Arena
Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 2013, 10:00 a.m. (Participants should arrive at 9:00 a.m.)
Regalia: All participants are expected to wear full academic regalia. For the procession, students should wear caps & gowns, but should carry the hoods over their arms. They will be hooded as part of the ceremony. Academic regalia includes a cap with tassel, a gown that comes well below the knees, and an academic hood, appropriate for the degree earned. Regalia is available at the UST Bookstore. For additional information, contact the bookstore at 713-525-3806.
Parking: Parking at Reliant Arena costs $10.00 per car (subject to change). Easiest access is the Naomi entrance from Fannin St.
Flowers will be available for families to purchase to congratulate their graduate at the commencement ceremony. The flowers will be available in a variety of colors. The half dozen rose bouquets with filler flower and greens retail for $20.00. The full dozen rose bouquets with filler flower and greens retail for $30.00. Be sure to let your family know!

Watch Commencement Live

Those not able to attend can watch a live stream of the graduation ceremony on May 18.

Hotel Information

We are partnering with Hampton Inn & Suites Medical Center/Reliant for accommodations during the Commencement weekend.
To access the University of St. Thomas’ discounted rate, enter the dates between May 17th-19th on the left side, select Add special rate codes, enter under Group Code UST and then proceed with check availability.
Click here to visit the website: http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/texas/hampton-inn-and-suites-houston-medical-ctr-reliant-park-HOUMDHX/index.html (make click here hyperlink)
Travelers can also call the hotel directly at 713-797-0040 and just mention the group code UST.

Applying for Graduation

You must submit an Intent to Graduate form in order to graduate. This is not done automatically.
The requirements for submitting the application differ from degree to degree, so do read the instructions.
Intent to Graduate forms can be found below on this page.
As of the 2012-2013 academic year, you may apply for graduation for December, May, or August terms. However, we have only one commencement ceremony for the academic year, which will be held on May 18, 2013.

Graduation Eligibility

See the respective catalogs and your academic advisor.

Graduation Filing Deadlines

December Graduates: September 15th (or the first business day following)
May and August Graduates: February 15th (or the first business day following)

PLEASE NOTE: All notices and reminders will be sent via UST e-mail, so don’t forget to check yours regularly, especially if you plan to graduate soon.

Filing Instructions:

Undergraduate Students (BA, BFA, BS, BBA,)

Complete the Intent to Graduate Form.
Sign the form and obtain the signatures of all academic advisors. There must be an advisor for each major (whether double major or joint major), and an advisor for any minors. Minor advisors may be department chairs.
Obtain a copy of your degree plan from your major advisor(s).
Submit the Intent to Graduate Form and the Degree Plan to front counter in the Herzstein Enrollment Center.

Graduate Students

Cameron School of Business (MBA, MSA)
Complete the Intent to Graduate Form and submit it to the Cameron School of Business. They will forward it to the Registrar’s office when it has been signed and will send you a copy for your records.

School of Education (MED)
Complete the Intent to Graduate Form and submit it to Thembi Williams in the School of Education. The form will be forward to the Registrar’s office when they have been signed.

Master in Liberal Arts

Complete the Intent to Graduate Form and submit it to Dr. Ravi Srinivas.
When the form has been signed, bring it to the Registrar’s office in the Herzstein Enrollment Center.

Center for Thomistic Studies
Complete the Intent to Graduate Form and submit it to the Center for the Director’s signature.

School of Theology at St. Mary's Seminary
Students may obtain graduation paperwork directly from the Office of the Dean at St. Mary's Seminary.

Master of Arts in Faith and Culture
Complete the Intent to Graduate Form and submit to the Director of the MAFC Program.

Intent To Graduate Forms
Select your degree form from the list below. You can complete the form online, but you must print it out, sign it, and submit it according to the instructions for your degree.