Jackson School Commencement

Friday, May 9th, 10:00 am

Hogg Memorial Auditorium (HMA), 2300 Whitis Avenue, Austin TX, 78705

Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 graduates are welcome and encouraged to attend the May 2025 commencement ceremony.

Schedule

8:00 – ~9:30 am – Student check-in: Quadrangle room (UNB 3.304), Texas Union

~9:30 – 9:55 am – Security screening & Line-up for procession

10:00 am – 11:30 am – Ceremony

• Ceremony begins promptly at 10 am
• Doors will open for guest seating 1 hour before the ceremony.
• The college anticipates that the ceremony will last 1.5-2 hours. Out of respect for all graduates, please plan to arrive on time and be present until the end of the ceremony.
• Participating graduates and faculty members, please review respective emails for arrival time, check-in room locations, etc.

Parking

Information regarding parking and directions is available on the University Commencement website. Please note that visitor traffic is significant during commencement days and you should anticipate longer travel and parking times.

Accessibility Drop Off

Mobility impaired candidates or guests who cannot walk comfortably more than 5′ are advised to bring their own wheelchair to the event. Due to the expected attendance, individuals are encouraged to secure the necessary equipment prior to arriving at the venue the day of the event.

Participating graduates are asked to notify the JSG commencement coordinator if any of their guests require accessibility and/or mobility assistance.

Campus Safety & Security

The university has security procedures in place for all commencement ceremonies and venues. Please review the information below and plan accordingly to avoid delays. For more information view the full policy. A clear bag policy is in effect to enhance existing security measures and expedite venue entry at all event facilities on the UT Austin campus.

• Approved bags include:
• Large bags: Bags or totes that are clear and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
• Small bags: Each person is allowed one large clear bag and one small clutch. Small clutch bags or purses do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 4.5” x 6.5”

Prohibited Items

• The below items are not permitted at any of the Commencement events. See for more details.
  • Artificial noisemakers
  • Large bags
  • Banners, flags, flag poles, selfie sticks, signs, umbrellas
  • Cameras with detachable lenses greater than 10”, GoPros, video cameras and tripods
  • Coolers
  • Explosive and flammable materials, disabling chemicals and other dangerous items
  • Flower vases
  • Food
  • Water
  • Pets
  • Strollers
  • Tobacco products
  • Weapons

Personal Items

• Visitors should be aware of the campus safety and security procedures referenced above regarding bags and other items allowed into the venue.
• Graduates and participating faculty should not bring personal items (purses, coats) to the ceremony as they cannot be left in the prep/green room(s) and there is no area to secure them during the ceremony.
• It is recommended that those participating in the ceremony carry cell phones and keys on a wristlet or in clothing with pockets.

Academic Regalia & Appropriate Dress

Academic Regalia

Academic Regalia is required for all degree candidates and consists of:

Academic regalia may be purchased from the University Coop; Doctoral caps & gowns are available for purchase or rent (see University Co-op website for details).

 University Coop Regalia Purchase/Rental Deadlines

Graduating students that choose to borrow regalia, still need to purchase a tassel and stole or hood. Only academic related additions to the regalia are allowed (ex. UT Austin orange/white honor cords, honor society stoles, etc.)

Appropriate Dress

Students should wear an appropriate outfit, preferably business casual attire, underneath their regalia.

For safety reasons please be mindful of the shoes you plan to wear for the commencement ceremony. The stairs to and from the stage may be slick and rather steep. It is recommended that graduates not wear overly high heels or flip flops for the commencement ceremony.

Guest Seating

• No guest tickets are required for the JSG commencement ceremony
• Seating for the JSG Spring Commencement ceremony will be available on a first-to-arrive, first-seated basis.
• Seats cannot be held or reserved for late arriving guests.
• Out of respect for our graduates, once the ceremony begins guests seated in the main auditorium are expected to attend the entire ceremony.

Accessibility Accommodations

• Accessible seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-seated basis.
• Mobility impaired candidates or guests who cannot walk comfortably more than 5’ are advised to bring their own wheelchairs to the event.
• Due to the expected attendance, individuals are encouraged to secure the necessary equipment on their own prior to arriving at the venue the day of the event.
• While every effort will be made, we may be unable to fulfill every accommodation request, particularly those not conveyed in advance to the event coordinators. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

JSG Commencement Speaker

Dr. Lorena Moscardelli

University Commencement

All Jackson School graduates and their families are encouraged to take part in the University-wide Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (DKR-TMS). Consult the event website for more information about pre-ceremony activities, parking, participant tickets and more.

Invitations

Invitations may be purchased from the University Co-op.

Photography

Flash Photography will take each graduate’s photo while crossing the stage and an individual photo in front of a backdrop. Flash Photography will send proofs to each graduate.

Diplomas

There are several steps to ensure you’re ready to receive your diploma. Visit the UT Registrar’s website for details and instructions asap.