This webpage and its resources links are your ultimate resource for everything you need to know about applying for graduation, meeting the requirements to participate in the Commencement Ceremony, and getting that diploma in your hands.
Graduation means that if you complete all the academic program requirements, you will receive your diploma and have it reflected on your transcript. Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate your achievements. To ensure that you can fully participate in the graduation festivities, it's crucial to adhere to the deadlines below.
Deadlines: Only students who apply for graduation by the deadline and register for Commencement by the deadline will be eligible to walk in the ceremony.
Don't let these deadlines slip by you! Check your student email address often and mark your calendars to take action early.
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!
Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your academic journey! Graduation marks the culmination of your hard work and dedication, and the Commencement Ceremony is the event that celebrates your accomplishments.
Below are at-a-glance details for the Commencement Ceremony. Please use this webpage as the most up-to-date resource for details to prepare for and attend the Commencement Ceremony.
There will be a morning and afternoon ceremony option. Graduates will only be able to attend the ceremony time they register to attend.
Parking - Parking will be available in the Blue Lot (utilize Gate 9) on the corner of Kirby and Westridge. Type in the address: 8825 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054 for specific driving directions. The parking fee is $22 (plus tax) per vehicle. Please note that the venue, NRG Park, will transition to credit cards only for parking payment and will no longer be accepting cash.
Bag Policy - NRG Arena Center enforces a bag policy to ensure the safety of their guests. Backpacks and large bags that exceed 11”x17” are not allowed. Necessary diaper bags and medical bags are subject to inspection before entry.
Prohibited Items - For the safety concerns of patrons, NRG Park may refuse entry of individuals in possession of prohibited items including, but not limited to: all weapons and firearms, all handguns, air horns, video recorders, audio recorders, professional camera equipment, photography lenses over 3” in length, whistles, noisemakers, sealed packages of any kind, bottles, cans, coolers, containers, fireworks, Frisbees, inflatable objects (beach balls, swim equipment, etc.), illegal substances, laser pointers/pens, outside food or beverage (Exceptions are made for medical reasons and children), remote-controlled cars, Hoverboards, UAVs, Drones, binocular cases and camera cases. This list is in no way exhaustive, and other items may be prohibited at the sole discretion of NRG Stadium Management.
On the day of the ceremony, your loved ones may visit hccs.edu/live to watch the ceremony live.
*Please note: Only students who have registered through Tassel will be admitted into the arena as participants. Students who do not complete the registration process will not be allowed to enter the graduate staging area or walk across the stage, even if they arrive at the venue.
Regularly Check Your HCC Student Email: Once you have applied for graduation by the deadline, you will receive an email invitation from Tassel. This email will contain a link and instructions on how to register for the Commencement Ceremony.
Register for Commencement by the TBA Deadline: To participate in the Commencement Ceremony, you must register by the TBA deadline. Ensure you mark this date on your calendar and prioritize registering before this cutoff. Only graduates who are registered by this deadline will be allowed to walk in the ceremony.
Register Early to Secure Your Preferred Ceremony Time: Due to the building's capacity limitations, there is limited space available for each of the ceremony times. We strongly recommend registering early to ensure you can attend the ceremony at your preferred time. Remember that you will only be permitted to participate during the ceremony time you register to attend.
In the Tassel Commencement registration platform, graduates will be able to:
An approved cap and gown is required to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Below are the details on how to purchase an approved cap and gown.
Purchase Online: Purchase cap/gown and other items here (announcements, frames etc). The deadline to purchase online with a standard shipping fee is TBA. The shipping fee will be applied at the time of purchase.
Bachelors and Associate Degree candidates who meet the criteria below are eligible for Honor Cords for the ceremony.
Prior to the ceremony, qualifying graduates can pick up Honor Cords at the HCC Bookstore locations. Qualifying graduates may also stop by the Honor Cords table on the day of the Commencement Ceremony.
