Check back at a later date for Commencement 2025 updates
Steve Hicks School Spring 2024 Commencement
Important Dates
| March 1 | Regalia – Doctoral Purchase deadline |
| March 20 | Grad Fair at the Co-op |
| March 29 | Regalia – Doctoral/Faculty Rental deadline |
| April 12 | Regalia – Masters Students purchase deadline |
| April 12 | Regalia – Bachelors Students purchase deadline |
| May 11 | Commencement Ceremony |
| May 17 | Regalia – Doctoral Rental Returns and Faculty Loaner regalia returns deadline |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do graduates and/or guests require ticketing for attendance?
The Steve Hicks School of Social Work (SHS) does not require tickets for graduates or their guests to attend commencement.
Do graduates and/or guests have to RSVP for the ceremony?
Graduates and guests are not required to RSVP.
Is there a guest limit?
No, there is no guest limit. Graduates may bring as many guests as they like. However, seats are only available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
Do I have to wear regalia in order to participate?
Students who choose to participate in graduation are required to wear university-approved regalia. Failure to wear proper regalia may result in a student not being able to participate in commencement ceremonies.
Bachelor’s and Master’s regalia must be purchased by April 12.
Where can I purchase regalia?
Regalia can be purchased through the University Co-op. The Co-op also offers announcements and other graduation items.
Bachelor’s and Master’s degree regalia must be purchased by April 12.
Are tickets required for the University-Wide Commencement Ceremony*?
Tickets are required for graduates and guest attending the University-Wide Commencement Ceremony. For further information, please see the university-wide commencement website.
*The University-Wide Commencement Ceremony is hosted by UT Austin President Jay Hartzell and brings together graduates from all 18
degree-granting colleges and schools at the university. It is a separate event from the SHS commencement ceremony and, as each graduating class includes approximately 14,000 graduates, it is not possible to recognize students individually at this ceremony.
What time do I need to arrive for graduation?
Graduates should arrive no later than 1:30 pm. Please refer to the SHS Commencement page to find additional details.
What time can my guests arrive?
Doors will open for guests 45 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Will there be a sign language interpreting for the ceremony?
Yes, the University provides an interpreter for all ceremonies.
Will there be a Spanish-language interpreter for the ceremony?
Yes, there will be a Spanish-language interpreter at the ceremony.
One of my guests is mobile impaired and will need help getting to the event. What ADA travel options are available for them?
The University of Texas at Austin will provide a shuttle for those with ADA needs. Additional information about the shuttle and ADA needs for UT-Austin ceremonies can be found here.
One of my guests will need help with accessibility. Will Bass Concert Hall provide assistance for those who have accessibility needs?
Bass Concert Hall attendants will be available and on-site to assist guests with accessibility needs.
What is the process for identifying the BSW and MSSW Student Commencement
Speakers?
The BSW and MSSW student commencement speakers have been chosen.
- Students were encouraged to submit an application for themselves or for someone else (with their consent) online here.
- The deadline to submit an application was Friday, March 15.
- Applicants must be in good standing with the university.
- Submissions were evaluated by a committee that includes program advisors, program deans, Social Work Council leadership, and faculty.