Know Before You Go

For Grads

Prepare for the Ceremony

Before You Walk the Stage 

• Caps/Gowns: As a reminder, black caps and gowns are required to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. 
• Download GradPass: Be sure to check your student email to download your Gradpass, which will be used to check you in and when you line up to walk across the stage. It will be sent to your student email address one day before the ceremony. 
  
  

Timeline: The at-a-glance schedule is below.

• 7 a.m. arrival time for graduates. This allows enough time for check-in and lining up over 1000 graduates. 
• 8 a.m. arrival time for guests. Guests will be admitted to the building one hour before the ceremony begins at 8 AM.
• 9 a.m. start of the ceremony.
• The ceremony can last up to 3-4 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.

Share Details With Guests

• We have a dedicated webpage for guests to get all the details they need for your special day: https://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/graduation/know-before-you-go/#forguests. Be sure to share this with loved ones. 
• On the day of the ceremony, your loved ones may visit hccs.edu/live to watch the ceremony live. 
  
  

Parking, Accessibility Accommodations, and Venue Policies

Parking

• Parking is available in the Blue Lot (Gate 9) for $22 (plus tax) per vehicle. Type in the address: 8825 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054, for specific driving directions.
• NRG Park now only accepts credit card payments for parking. They will no longer be accepting cash.
• After paying for parking, you will be guided to designated parking spaces based on the area's availability. There will be plenty of signage to guide you, as well as parking attendants and officers from HCC PD who will assist you.

Accessibility Accommodations
Graduates who need accommodations at the ceremony were advised to enter their needs on the registration form. Please check your email often for updates from HCC's Counseling and Abilities Services.

Bag Policies and Prohibited Items

• NRG Bag Policy: Only small bags under 11"x17" are allowed. Necessary diaper and medical bags are subject to inspection.
• NRG Prohibited Items: Please review the full list of prohibited items on the NRG Arena website, including weapons, firearms, large cameras, noisemakers, outside food or beverages (except for medical reasons and children), and more.
  
  

What to Expect on the Day of the Ceremony

Arrival and Check-in

• GradPass (ticket to enter the ceremony): GradPass is a graduate's ticket to enter the Commencement Ceremony. A GradPass will also be scanned when graduates arrive at Commencement and when they walk across the stage. A GradPass can be scanned or printed from a mobile device. Instructions to download your GradPass will be emailed on Thursday. 
• Arrival time for graduates: Graduates are required at 7 am to allow enough time for check-in and lining up over 1000 graduates. 
• Ceremony Time: Ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and can last up to 3-4 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.
• Grad Celebration: Before the ceremony, snacks and water will be provided courtesy of the HCC Alumni Association. In addition, Student Life will have music, activities, and plenty of photo opportunities! 

Walking Across the Stage

• Proceed to the student staging area with your GradPass (QR code) ready. Staff will assist you and answer questions. Remember to return to your seat after receiving your recognition and stay until the ceremony ends. If you are using your phone to display your GradPass, please remember to keep your phone charged. 
• You will walk across the stage based on where you are seated. You will not walk in alphabetical order.
• It is important that you return to your seat after receiving your recognition and remain seated until the end of the ceremony. The ceremony can last up to 3-4 hours. Please plan to stay until the end.

After the Ceremony 
At the end of the ceremony, graduates will reunite with their loved ones and receive their exclusive, free Class of 2024 HCC Alumni shirts! 

For Guests

Arrival

• Guests will be admitted to the building one hour before the ceremony begins at 8 AM.
• Tickets are not required to enter the NRG Arena.
• Important Note: If you are dropping off your graduate at their designated time, you will still not be admitted into the building until one hour before the ceremony begins.
  
  

Parking, Accessibility Accommodations and Venue Policies

Parking

• Parking is available in the Blue Lot (Gate 9) for $22 plus tax per vehicle. NRG Arena now only accepts credit card payments for parking. They will no longer be accepting cash.
• After paying for parking, you will be guided to designated parking spaces based on the area's availability.
• There will be plenty of signage to guide you.
• If you need accessible parking, please ask onsite parking attendants and/or officers from HCC PD who will assist you.
  
  

Bag Policy and Prohibited Items

• Bags: Only bags smaller than 11"x17" are allowed. Necessary diaper bags and medical bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Please review the full list of prohibited items on the NRG Arena website, including weapons, firearms, large cameras, noisemakers, outside food or beverages (except for medical reasons and children), and more.
  
  

ADA Accommodations

• Guests can find details about accessible parking and venue features in NRG's Accessibility Guide: https://www.nrgpark.com/accessibility-guide
• Accessibility areas are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive on time to secure your spot.
• Sign language and interpreting services will be provided at both ceremonies.