Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation
Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremonies
When will I hear something about my graduation application?
Your advisor will do a preliminary review to verify that you are on track for graduation. The final process to award degrees will be handled by the Registrar/Student Records office. They cannot begin awarding degrees until the end of the semester after all final grades have posted. The degree awarding process can take 4-6 weeks after final grades post. Please check your UHV email for information from your advisor or the Registrar/Student Records Office.
Why does my graduation status say ‘applied’ and I already participated in the ceremony?
Your graduation status will show “Applied” until your degree is actually awarded. Please see the answer to the question above for information on degree awarding. Also, check your UHV email for communication regarding degree awarding.
I just finished my last class and ordered my transcript. Why is my degree not on there?
The Registrar/Student Records Office will begin awarding degrees after all final grades have posted. The process can take 4-6 weeks. You can check your graduation status on your myUHV account by looking at degree progress/graduation. If your status says “Awarded” you can order a transcript which will show your degree. If your status says “Applied”, your degree has not been awarded yet. You should check your UHV email to see if there is any communication from your advisor or the Registrar/Student Records Office regarding your degree.
Where do I get my honors cord?
Honors cords are distributed by the Registrar/Student Records Office. They will email your UHV email account to let you know if you are receiving honors or not and to provide instructions on picking up the honors cord. Emails will be sent by the end of March for spring graduates and in November for summer/fall graduates.
I was notified I did not receive honors before the ceremony, but what happens if my grades at the end of the semester increase my GPA?
Honors will be recalculated after final grades post. If your GPA increases and you are eligible for honors they will show on your transcript and diploma. At this time if you would like an honors cord email graduation@uhv.edu for assistance. Please include your full name and student ID number in your email.
How will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to the student’s diploma address or mailing address that is on file with the Registrar/Student Records Office. Students graduating in the spring can expect to receive their diploma July, students graduating in the summer should receive their diploma in September, and students graduating in the fall can expect to receive their diploma in February.
Victoria Ceremonies
Where is the Faith Family Church located?
Faith Family Church is located at 2002 E Mockingbird Ln, Victoria, TX 77904 .
How much is parking and where is it located?
Parking is free at Faith Family Church, with one large parking lot surrounding the facility. Visit the Faith Family Church website for full details.
When and where does formal check-in begin?
As a graduate, plan to arrive at Faith Family Church at least one (1) hour prior to your scheduled ceremony to check in. There will be signs and ushers that direct you to the robing area. Your timeliness will ensure a smooth ceremony.
Where will I be sitting inside the Faith Family Church?
Graduates will be seated on the floor directly in front of the stage. Seats will be spaced out to allow for physical distancing.
What should I wear?
You should wear UHV regalia. To order your regalia package, visit the following website. The last day to order your regalia online and have it shipped directly to you is Thursday, April 13, 2023. After this date, regalia will only be available for purchase in person at the UHV bookstore, Jag Station, located in Victoria inside the University Commons building. You should dress comfortably underneath your regalia, business casual suggested, and wear sensible shoes given a lot of walking is involved.
Is it required to wear UHV regalia?
Yes. Graduates will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony without UHV regalia.
Can I leave my personal items in the robing area?
No. You are advised to take all valuables with you to your seat. The Faith Family Church nor UHV are liable for any losses. You must carry everything you bring with you.
Can I leave during the ceremony?
No.
Do you have an extra tassel/cap/robe?
No.
What should I do with my name card?
It is critical that you hold on to the name card you receive during check in. Please do not lose it. Carry it with you until you are asked for it on the arena floor before you enter the stage to receive your diploma.
Where do we get programs?
Programs are placed underneath the chairs of graduates and at all entrances for guests.
How will I know to go to the stage?
Following remarks by the UHV president and the keynote speech, students will be instructed to stand one row at a time. Faculty marshals will guide students to the stage. When your row is selected, proceed to the stage. You will be lined up on the arena floor to the right of the stage.
Who should I follow when the procession begins?
For safety purposes, we will not have a procession into the arena as we would normally. Once you have checked in at the robing area, you will enter the arena and find a seat. If you get lost, seek the assistance of a faculty marshal, or a UHV staff member.
Where should my tassel be?
Before commencement, your tassel should be on your right for undergraduate students. Once everyone has walked the stage and received their diploma, the president will tell bachelor's graduates to shift their tassel from right to left.
Will masks be required?
No.
Will the commencement ceremony be streamed?
Yes. Link will be provided closer to the commencement date.
Do my guests need tickets to enter the ceremony?
Yes. Each student who plans to take part in the commencement ceremony is guaranteed six (6) guest tickets.
Additional ticket requests will not be granted due to class size and venue seating constraints. However, the livestream link will be available on the commencement website before the ceremony begins.
To request tickets, students need to specify the number of tickets being requested via 2023 Commencement Ticket Request Form by the April 13th, 2023 to have them shipped or for pick up.
How many guests am I allowed to invite?
Each Student can request up to six (6) guest tickets in total.
As a graduating student, do I need a ticket?
No.
Where may my guests enter?
Guests may use the northeast or southwest entrances into the building. All other entrances will be unavailable.
Does the Faith Family Church have handicap seating?
Yes, the Faith Family Church has handicap seats available.
If I need an additional accommodation, who do I contact?
You can contact Briana Vega in the Provost office to request additional accommodations.
Is food allowed in the arena?
No outside food or drink is allowed in the Faith Family Church.
What should not be brought into Faith Family Church?
Air horns, noisemakers, and laser pointers are not allowed in the building and will be confiscated if used. Balloons, signs larger than 2’x2’, banners, and flowers are prohibited in the arena but can be checked in to the guest services table.
Will there be a separate Katy ceremony?
No. All University of Houston-Victoria graduates, whether they live in Victoria, Greater Houston or elsewhere, can attend the graduation ceremonies in Victoria, Texas.