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Commencement

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Colorful wall at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry's graduation ceremony with the words

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry will hold its 2026 commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at NRG Arena.

Commencement Ceremony Details

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
Location: NRG Arena (1 NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054)

Driving Directions and Parking

The Maroon Lot is designated for the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Commencement ceremony.

  • Parking is $25 per vehicle. Credit or debit card only.
  • Enter from Gates 3, 4, 9 or 10.
  • Accessible parking is available in Maroon Lot areas 6, 8, 10, and 13.
  • See the parking map.
Map of NRG Park for 2026 UTHealth Houston Commencement parking. Use Orange Lot via Gates 3, 4, 9, or 10; ADA drop-off at Gate 10. Lots shown: Yellow, Purple, Red, Green, Teal, Blue, Maroon. NRG Stadium and Astrodome centered; gates 5–16 marked with routes and fees noted.

Information for Graduates

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  • Invitation

    All spring 2026 and summer 2026 graduates from the campuses are eligible to participate in the May 13 commencement ceremony. We are not imposing a guest limit, and tickets are not required for the ceremony.

    Download a printable invitation

  • Preparation

    Announcement Orders

    Graduates and candidates who want to send personal, hard-copy ceremony invitations to their family and friends can print or order announcements using the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry template available on our Canva site

    Diplomas

    • UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry graduates will not receive their diplomas at the ceremony.
    • Spring graduates will receive their diplomas approximately three days after the ceremony.
    • Official UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry diploma frames are available to order online through the Herff Jones website.

  • Ceremony Day

    Arrival

    Check-in starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Graduates’ Check-in area. Graduates must arrive by 12 p.m.

    Graduates should leave personal items with their guests. Items carried to the graduate seating section should be placed in pockets or left in the seat when walking to the stage. Do not carry any items with you to the stage.

    Attire

    Note: This formal event serves as both the commencement and convocation to celebrate and publicly confer your degree. The University president, school deans, and University of Texas System representatives will be present.

    The dress for graduates under the regalia and guests is business casual. Due to the warm weather conditions that are typical during May, lightweight clothing is recommended.

    • Necklaces should be tucked inside of the gown.
    • No sneakers or other athletic shoes, flip flops, slippers, sandals, bare feet, or stocks.
    • High-heeled shoes are allowed but not recommended if you are uncomfortable walking on stairs or ramps, on various surfaces, or standing in them for up to 20 minutes.
    • No props (e.g., feather boas, glow-in-the-dark or lighted items, bells, etc.) or decorations should be worn on any part of the regalia.
    • Stoles, sashes, and cords directly related to academic achievements or official UTHealth Houston student organizations are allowed.

    Photography

    During the ceremony, professional stage and candid photos will be taken and available for free download through a link sent to participants approximately one week after the event. Stations will be available in the main hall for family and friends to take pictures with graduates.

    Photos from past events and graduation ceremonies can be accessed on Flickr.

  • Event Video and Photos

    A livestream of the commencement will be available on our YouTube channel. Photos of the event will be added to Flickr.

    View the stream on YouTube See the photos on Flickr