The Ultimate 2025 Sam Houston Graduation Guide: Dates, Times, Colleges, And Essential Guest Policies
The Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Commencement ceremonies for 2025 are meticulously planned and scheduled across three major periods: Spring, Summer, and Fall. As of today, December 24, 2025, the university has released the comprehensive schedule, detailing the specific dates, times, and colleges participating in each ceremony, all of which will take place at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville, Texas. This guide provides the most current, essential information for all graduating Bearkats and their excited guests, ensuring a smooth and memorable celebration of academic achievement.
Planning for graduation requires attention to detail, from securing your regalia to understanding guest logistics. The 2025 commencement calendar is designed to accommodate thousands of graduates and their families, making it crucial to know exactly when your college is scheduled to cross the stage. We have broken down the entire year's schedule, along with vital information on guest tickets, the clear bag policy, and other must-know details.
The Complete Sam Houston State University (SHSU) 2025 Commencement Schedule
All ceremonies for the 2025 academic year are confirmed to be held at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. Graduates are typically required to arrive well in advance of the start time for lineup and instructions. Be sure to check your official SHSU email for the most up-to-date information regarding check-in procedures.
Spring 2025 Graduation Ceremonies (May 8–10, 2025)
The Spring Commencement, a three-day event, celebrates the largest cohort of graduates. The ceremonies are organized by college to manage the volume of participants and ensure a personal experience for each graduate.
- Thursday, May 8, 2025
- 9:30 AM Ceremony: College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Friday, May 9, 2025
- 9:30 AM Ceremony: College of Criminal Justice.
- 2:30 PM Ceremony: College of Education and College of Health Sciences.
- Saturday, May 10, 2025
- 9:30 AM Ceremony: College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and College of Business.
- 2:30 PM Ceremony: College of Art and Media, and College of Business Administration (All).
Summer 2025 Graduation Ceremonies (August 2, 2025)
The Summer Commencement is consolidated into a single day, offering two separate ceremonies for graduates completing their degree requirements over the summer term.
- Saturday, August 2, 2025
- 9:30 AM Ceremony: College of Arts and Media, College of Business Administration, and other colleges to be confirmed.
- Commencement Speaker: Jamie Woodall, a nationally recognized leader in athletic training, school safety, and public health, is scheduled to speak at the morning ceremony.
- 2:30 PM Ceremony: College of Criminal Justice, and College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Fall 2025 Graduation Ceremonies (December 12–13, 2025)
The Fall Commencement wraps up the academic year with a two-day schedule, celebrating those who completed their studies in the final semester.
- Friday, December 12, 2025
- 9:30 AM Ceremony: College of Arts & Media and College of Criminal Justice.
- Commencement Speaker: John Garrett ('97), an outstanding SHSU alumnus, is scheduled for the morning ceremony.
- 2:30 PM Ceremony: College of Health Sciences and College of Education.
- Saturday, December 13, 2025
- 9:30 AM Ceremony: College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and College of Science & Engineering Technology (excluding Agricultural programs).
- 2:30 PM Ceremony: College of Science and Engineering Technology (Agricultural and related programs).
Essential Logistics for Graduates and Guests: Tickets, Bags, and Parking
Navigating the logistics of a major university commencement is key to a stress-free day. SHSU has specific policies in place regarding guest attendance and venue security that every attendee must follow. Understanding these rules well in advance will prevent any last-minute complications.
Guest Ticket Policy: How Many Can You Bring?
SHSU strictly enforces a ticket requirement for all guests attending the Commencement ceremonies at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
- Allotment: Each eligible graduate will receive an allotment of 8 guest tickets.
- Distribution: Graduates will be notified via their official SHSU email when the tickets become available for claim.
- Extra Tickets: If additional tickets become available after the initial distribution period, the university will communicate this availability to graduates.
- Children: All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue.
The SHSU Clear Bag Policy Explained
To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, like other SHSU athletic venues, operates under a strict Clear Bag Policy. Guests should prepare for this policy before arriving to avoid being turned away at the gates.
Permitted items include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, with or without a strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand).
- Medically necessary items, which may be permitted upon inspection.
Prohibited items include: backpacks, large purses, diaper bags, camera bags, and fanny packs. This policy is strictly enforced for all Commencement events.
Parking and Venue Information
The Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum is the central location for all 2025 ceremonies. Parking information, including designated lots and shuttle services (if any), is typically released closer to the ceremony dates on the official SHSU Commencement website. Graduates and guests are strongly advised to arrive early, especially for the morning ceremonies, as traffic and parking near the Coliseum can become congested.
Key Graduation Requirements and Next Steps for SHSU Students
While the commencement ceremony is the celebration, the underlying academic requirements must be met to officially earn your degree. Students must be vigilant about meeting all deadlines and fulfilling their degree plan obligations.
Degree Requirements and Academic Guidelines
Students should consult the official Undergraduate Catalog (2024-2025 or 2025-2026, depending on their entry year) for the specific academic guidelines.
- Undergraduate Degrees: A minimum of 120 total hours is required for a bachelor's degree, though some programs may require more.
- Graduate Degrees: A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for all coursework taken for graduate credit.
- Application: You must formally apply for graduation by the stated deadlines for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025. Failure to meet the application deadline will result in a late fee.
Regalia and Attire
All participating graduates are required to wear the appropriate academic regalia (cap, gown, and hood for Master's and Doctoral candidates) for their ceremony. The official SHSU Bookstore is the primary source for ordering and purchasing your regalia. Plan to order yours several weeks in advance to ensure it arrives on time and is ready to wear.
The Sam Houston State University 2025 graduation is a significant milestone, and this comprehensive schedule and logistics guide is your essential tool for preparation. By confirming your ceremony time and adhering to all guest policies, you and your loved ones can focus entirely on celebrating this incredible achievement in Huntsville.
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