UH GCSW Commencement

The University of Houston recognizes that commencement is a joyous time and an incredible accomplishment to be celebrated by our graduates and their families.

For December, May, and August graduates, the GCSW Commencement Ceremony takes place in May of each year at the Fertitta Center. The ceremony is usually followed by a college-wide reception. Ceremony and reception information will be communicated in early Spring.

If you have questions, please email director@uh.edu or Tara Villasenor. 

How to Apply

1. Students apply to graduate through PeopleSoft.
2. Students log into MyUH.
3. Click on “Degree Process/Graduation” under the menu in the top left.
4. Click on “Apply for Graduation” and follow the steps.
5. Paper forms are submitted to the Welcome Center.

Regalia & Announcement Ordering Information

Regalia & Announcements

Regalia and announcements can be ordered during the Spring from Herff Jones. Information about ordering regalia including deadlines will be communicated directly to students via email.

The UH Bookstore will have a table at Commencement for some regalia items.

If ordering regalia is a financial hardship that would present a barrier to participating in university commencement, please contact gcswinfo@uh.edu for assistance. The GCSW has a limited number of caps and gowns that can be borrowed on a first come first serve basis. 

Returning Regalia

Students do not need to return regalia back to the bookstore. The regalia is yours to keep. However, if you'd like to donate your cap and gown for the next class, we will have a collection box at the ceremony or you arrange to drop off your regalia at the Social Work building at a later time.

Accommodations

Please see the Fertitta Center Accessibility Guide for more information.

Photography

Family and friends should feel free to bring cameras and video recorders and take as many pictures as they desire. They may not stand in the aisles during the ceremony. We also suggest that family photographers take photos at home and at other locations on campus prior to or after the ceremony. 

There will be a professional photographer present at the ceremony to take your picture as you are crossing the stage, as you exit the stage, and as a group. You will be able to order pictures from the photographer directly. 

Diplomas

December, May and August graduates will receive their diploma in the mail once your degree has been approved, conferred and posted. Diplomas are mailed directly to you at the most current address provided through your myUH account.

To check the order and shipment status of your diploma, you may visit: www.michaelsutter.com/UH. Please keep in mind that diploma shipment information is updated weekly.  The Registrar’s Office asks that you please allow approximately 3 weeks from final approval for the printing and shipment of your diploma.  As a courtesy, you should receive a diploma shipment notification from the Registrar’s Office, to the email address indicated on your graduation application, once your diploma has been shipped.