Graduate Checklist

Download & Print - Graduate Checklist (.pdf) - Coming Soon (pdf)

1. Check that you've met all graduation requirements
   • Meet with your department faculty academic advisor to ensure that your degree requirements have been met. Confirm that you have been added to the graduate list for the semester you complete(d) your program. The SHP Bulletin provides additional degree requirement information.
     • Graduation Application: The School of Health Professions does not require a graduation application.
2. Participation
   • Not all graduating students choose to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Graduation candidates who complete the academic requirements set forth by their academic program are invited to participate in Commencement.
   • Students must be in good academic standing and cleared to graduate to participate in commencement.
     • Fall 2024 Graduates: Students can participate in only one commencement exercise. Fall 2024 students who did not participate in the ceremony in August 2024 can participate in the 2025 ceremony.
     • Post-Baccalaureate/Graduate Certificate students: Students receiving a certificate but not a degree are not eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.
   • ADA Services for SHP Graduates: Degree-seeking candidates who need ADA-related accommodations to participate in the Commencement ceremony are asked to complete the Accessibility Notification Request Form or graduate seating and the Processional/Recessional line up before July 31. For more details, visit Accommodations for People with Disabilities.
3. Verify Diploma and Name Information
   • Submit a Diploma Address
     Update your degree mailing address and check your diploma name in MyStar to ensure it appears as it should and is sent to the correct address. Your name will be printed on various graduation-related documents such as your diploma, seating card, requested transcripts, and the commencement program.
     • Login to My Star – If you are off campus, you will need to use VPN or Citrix and Duo.
     • Select the "Profile" tile.
     • Select "Addresses" on the left hand side.
     • Select "Add Diploma Address".
     • Click the "+" sign under "Names".
     • Enter the address you want your diploma mailed to.
     • Select "Save".
   • Please also take a moment to review your contact information in MyStar. It is important to ensure that your permanent address, phone number, and personal non-UTMB email (such as Gmail or Yahoo) are up to date.
   • Submit a Diploma Name
     Please note that your diploma name must be part of your primary name as listed in MyStar.
     • Login to My Star – If you are off campus, you will need to use VPN or Citrix and Duo.
     • Select the "Profile" tile.
     • Select the row listing your primary name to view the name in its entirety. Your diploma name options are as follows:
       1. First Name, Last Name (as listed on your primary name)
       2. First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name (as listed on your primary name)
       3. First Name, Middle Name, Last Name (as listed on your primary name)
       4. If you do not have a middle name listed in My Star and would like your middle name or middle initial on your diploma, you will need to submit a name change form and official documentation. Once you receive verification that your name change has been processed, you will then login and update your diploma name. The name change form can be found on our website. Records and Enrollment (utmb.edu).
     • Select "X" to go back to the names screen.
     • Select the "+" sign to add a diploma name.
     • In the "Type" drop down box, select "Diploma".
     • Skip Name Format and Prefix.
     • Enter your First, Middle Name or Initial (if applicable) and Last Name as you want it displayed on your diploma. Please note that these must be as listed on your primary name. Nicknames or Preferred Names will not be printed.
     • Enter Suffix only if applicable.
     • Professional titles will not be printed on the diploma (e.g. B.S., M.S., etc.).
     • Select "Save".
4. Clear Holds
   • Transcripts and diplomas will only be sent out to students without university obligations. Log onto MyStar to view your holds. Examples of a "hold" include outstanding balances, compliance training and immunization requirements.
5. Order your Regalia (Cap & Gown), Invitations and Accessories
   • All graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony must wear official UTMB academic regalia. Rental regalia is included in the Graduation Fee of your SHP Student Tuition and Fees. Each graduate is welcome to keep the Cap/Tam & Tassel as a souvenir at no additional charge.
   • Decoration of Caps and Gowns: SHP policy prohibits Commencement participants from decorating their caps and gowns and wearing all accessories that are not an official element of the academic regalia as it detracts from the dignity of the ceremony. Academic Honor cords and medallions may be worn because they are official.
   • Order Rental Regalia (cap & gown): Order Link Coming Soon
   • Deadlines:
     • Ordering Site Open: To be announced
     • Late Ordering Dates: To be announced
       • There will be a fee of $40 on all orders placed during late registration.
   • Missed Deadline Orders: If you missed the late ordering/registration period, email the UTMB Bookstore at utmbstores@utmb.edu to place an order.
     • There will be a fee of $85.00 on all orders placed after the late registration period has concluded. The deadline for call-in orders will be announced at later date. No extensions.
   • Student and Faculty Regalia Pick Up (cap & gown)
     • Tue, Aug 19, 2025
       9:00 am to 3:00 pm
     • Wed, Aug 20, 2025
       9:00 am to 3:00 pm
     • Thu, Aug 21, 2025
       9:00 am to 11:00 am
   • Location: SHP/SON Classroom 1.806 (located inside the Student Success Center in the SON/SHP Building)
   • Unable to Pick Up Regalia in Advance?
     All regalia not picked up by this time will be taken to the Moody Gardens and available for continued distribution Friday morning, August 22, 2025 starting at 8:30 am.
   • Need A Friend to pick up?
     Students will need a badge or ID for the pick-up. If anyone cannot pick it up and would like to assign a friend or family member to pick up for them, they will need to email the Campus Store at  bookstor@utmb.edu, giving that person authorization for the pick-up.  They will also need their ID for pick up. Please get in touch with the bookstore directly with any regalia-related questions.
   • DO NOT iron these rental gowns – All rental regalia will be delivered pressed and there will be no need to iron.
   • Regalia Return: Student and Faculty Regalia must be returned immediately following the commencement ceremony (day of) within one (1) hour of the ceremony's conclusion. Failure to return regalia immediately following the ceremony will result in a $300 fee on the student account, transcript holds, and a hold on your diploma
   • Invitations/Announcements/Rings: Can be purchased online from Balfour (3rd tab), coordinated by the UTMB Bookstore.
   • Diploma Frames: Please stop by the Campus Store or visit the Campus Store website.
   • Have ordering questions or need assistance? Contact Balfour at 1-844-711-6100 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm CST, Monday - Friday, or the UTMB Campus Store at 409-772-1939.
6. Join the SHP Alumni Association
   • Special Graduation Offer! - 50% discount on an SHP Alumni Association Lifetime Membership level!
     • SHP Dean David A. Brown will match 50% of the cost of a Lifetime Membership through August 16 (available to the first 20 students who email the UTMB Office of Alumni Relations).
     • You will only pay $150 to be a member for LIFE and can pay your part in monthly installments ($12.50 per month for 12 months).
     • Take advantage of this offer ASAP! A member of our Alumni team contact you with details.
   • Sign Up at SHP Alumni Association
   • UTMB also has a Young Alumni Program. This is a fun way to stay connected after you graduate. Visit and "Like" the UTMB Alumni Facebook Page today!
7. Student Email and MyStar Account Deletion
   • Graduates retain their email address and MyStar access for 540 days (18 months) following graduation. After the 540th day, all account disabling and removal processes will occur. Once your Office 365 account is deleted, graduates will no longer access their email or files from their UTMB student email/OneDrive account.
   • Students are encouraged to create a new professional email account and notify their contacts. Set up a rule to forward existing messages to that new email account and transfer any files uploaded to your student OneDrive account. Download the Next Steps for Deletion Preparation pdf for more detailed information.
8. Get Ready for Commencement
   • Be sure to review the Commencement Day Line Up and Ceremony Overview (Coming Soon) instructions and pay careful attention to pick-up deadlines. Students, please return to this webpage in the coming weeks as additional information and details about the Commencement ceremony will be added. Further questions can be directed to shpevents@utmb.edu.
   • Print, review, and save the Graduate Commencement Day Schedule and Instructions (Coming Soon), which will be updated and posted on this SHP Graduates web page. This schedule includes important details regarding rehearsal, schedule of events, additional instructions and FAQs.
9. Check Your Email
   • Updates and announcements regarding your graduation status will be sent to your UTMB student email address. Check your account often for important information!