Once you have applied, your graduation status will be communicated to you via your SHSU email and the notes section of DegreeWorks. Check your SHSU email frequently to ensure you do not miss any updates.

Application Deadlines

How To Apply

1. Access Student Profile
2. Select "Apply to Graduate"
3. Select Fall 2024

To apply between Decemebr 2nd – December 13th, please email graduationteam@shsu.edu. Applications for Fall '24 graduation will not be accepted after December 13th, 2024.

Application Fees

• On-time Fall application (by 5pm, September 11th, 2024): $50
• Late Fall application (accepted until December 13th ): $80

How To Apply for Certificate Award

Certificate programs are offered to degree seeking and non-degree seeking students. They allow students to complete a specialized program to obtain a certificate. Please note, certificates are not degrees.

The deadline to apply for Certificate awards is Friday, December 13th, 2024.

Undergraduate Students who are eligible for Honors on the first class day of the semester will be recognized at commencement.

More information on Honors designation

If a student becomes eligible for Honors after grades are finalized and their degree is awarded, their official records will be updated to reflect the change.

If a student is transferring credits during their final term, they must have a signed intent to transfer form on file with the Registrar’s Office.

Note: SHSU deadline for grades transferred in is by noon on the Monday after commencement.

How to Submit College Transcript

• Mail:

  Sam Houston State University
  Undergraduate Admissions Office
  Box 2418
  Huntsville TX 77341-2418

• Electronic:

  Request your school to send an electronic transcript to Sam Houston State University (code 003606).

• Outside of U.S. transcripts:

  All transcripts from outside of the U.S. must be translated and evaluated by a NACES accredited service or SDR Educational Consultants. International college transcript evaluations must include a course-by-course evaluation.

You must have regalia to participate in the commencement ceremonies. All regalia must be black.

Where to Order

Cap and gowns are available for purchase through Herff Jones. Deadline to order regalia is November 17th. Rentals are available for doctoral candidates only.

Order Cap & Gown

Reservations for tickets will be made available on Tuesday October 1st at 10AM. Reservations will close on Friday November 22nd. Tickets are required for guests attending commencement. Eligible graduates will receive an allotment of 8 tickets.  If additional tickets are available, a second round of reservations will be made available two weeks prior to commencement. Tickets are on a first come first serve basis. Graduates may reserve tickets using their Sam ID. Graduates do not need to claim a ticket for their ceremony. If additional tickets are still available, they will be able to be reserved starting on Monday November 25th. Please monitor your SHSU email for all updates.  

All tickets will be electronic. No print option will be available. Guests must have their phone ready at the door.

Claim Guest Tickets

1. Visit GoBearkats.com.
2. Select Tickets Tab & then select Buy Tickets.
3. Select Login button to access your account.
4. Use your SHSU Email to login.
5. You will then use a password that you have previously set up or have a 6-digit code sent to your SHSU email.
6. Select Commencement Tickets.
7. Select Find Tickets for your ceremony.
8. Choose up to 8 seats on the seat map.
9. Click Add to cart button after selections are made.
10. Select the Check Out button.
11. Enter your number and check the Text my Tickets box if you want to receive your tickets by text. Your tickets will be emailed to you regardless.
12. Select the Place Your Order button when you are done.
13. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket information shortly afterwards.
14. Please review this guide for transferring digital tickets before transferring or adding your tickets to your phones wallet. 

What to Expect on Graduation Day

Details

All diplomas are mailed to the Permanent Legal Address on file approximately 8 weeks after commencement. December degree candidates should expect a delay in the mailing of diplomas due to the scheduled holiday break.

Digital credentials will be emailed to you SHSU email approximately 2 weeks after commencement. 

Students needing a final transcript can order through Parchment and select "hold for degree." The transcript order will process once the degree has been conferred.

Your Name

We strongly recommend verifying your first and last name are spelled correctly in your Student Profile. Names may be printed in various graduation-related documents as applicable (such as diplomas, seating cards, requested transcripts, commencement programs, etc.).

If you need to change the way your name is spelled in any way, submit a Name Change Request form.

If you have previously submitted the FERPA Opt-Out Form to withhold your public directory information, your name will not be published in the commencement program unless you re-submit the form to release your directory information.

Available Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm.

SHSU would like to collect information on the experiential learning activities you may have completed while at SAM and your post-graduation plans. Please complete the following Graduate Exit Survey prior to your graduation ceremony – complete survey here!

Students who complete the entire survey will be entered into a drawing from the Career Success Center for up to $750 worth of gift cards. There are three winners for the drawing – 1^st Place: $750, 2^nd Place: $500, and 3^rd Place: $300. Drawings will take place the Friday after graduation ceremonies and once degrees have been conferred by the Registrar’s Office. All students who complete the survey are also eligible to receive a free swag item from the Career Center. Students can choose their item from the Career Center anytime during normal business hours.

Location: Academic Building IV, Suite 210

Students who would like to have an item mailed to them must contact the Career Center at careersuccesscenter@shsu.edu.

The Career Success Center also continues to provide career services to all alumni for FREE, FOR LIFE! That’s right, if you are need of career support after you graduate from SHSU, please contact the Career Success Center to schedule an appointment. We offer support for resume reviews, interview practice, job search assistance, and much more! You can schedule an appointment by emailing the Career Center at careersuccesscenter@shsu.edu or by phone at 936-294-1713. Alumni are also encouraged to attend any upcoming Career Fairs hosted throughout the year. You can view upcoming events by visiting the Career Success Center webpage here.