Commencement is a special time to celebrate your academic achievements. To ensure an amazing experience, please review the following carefully.
Commencement is held at Strahan Arena on our San Marcos Campus. Visit Directions, Parking, and Seating for more information.
Guests must have tickets to attend commencement. Tickets will be required for all commencement ceremonies. Learn more about tickets on our FAQ page.
Graduates do not need a ticket but need to present an acceptable form of ID, including: TXST student ID, driver’s license, government-issued ID.
Please review the list of allowed and prohibited items.
To change your name, you must submit a Personal Information Update Request. Update requests should be made at least a month before commencement.
If you have questions about how your name will be pronounced during diploma presentations, please contact:
Graduates will be seated on the arena floor by level (doctoral, master's, or bachelor's). Graduates will not necessarily be in order by college, alphabet, or honors designation.
Only graduates, faculty marshals, and staff are permitted on the arena floor and in graduate seating.
After degrees have been conferred, graduates will have their name called as they cross in front of the stage, shake hands with President Damphousse, and have their photo taken. Only graduates in attendance will have their name called and receive a diploma board. Official diplomas will be mailed after commencement.
Following the Alma Mater, graduates will leave the arena floor using the staircase behind them and exit to Sewell Park. Graduates should plan to meet family and friends at a designated area outside of the University Events Center near Sewell Park.
Bobcats love and respect the San Marcos River, which runs through Sewell Park and is next to our commencement ceremony. While celebrating on this special day, please do not litter in the park or river – especially glitter/confetti, balloons, and glass which are harmful to wildlife. Please be aware that the San Marcos River is a natural, unmaintained waterway where water depth and other conditions are constantly changing. Please exercise caution and enter at your own risk.
When you check in with your college you will be given a reader card with your name. Keep this card in hand during the entire ceremony. When you approach the stage during diploma presentations, you will hand your card to the Commencement Reader.
Belongings are subject to search upon entry to Strahan Arena. Please limit the items brought into the venue to expedite check-in.
There are no secure places to store personal items before or during the ceremony. Small personal items such as phones and wallets must be carried in a pocket or a small purse held under the gown. Graduates are not permitted to hand carry items during diploma presentations other than their diploma cover and Reader Card.
Candidates must wear the Texas State branded regalia that is available for purchase through the University Bookstore and Herff Jones.
While there is no dress code, keep in mind that there will be a professional photographer at the commencement ceremony and that you may also be taking photos with friends and family.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for guests and graduates.
You must wait until you enter the University Events Center to put on your cap and gown.
Please visit our accessibility page.
