Know Before You Go

For Grads

Before You Walk the Stage

• Caps/Gowns: As a reminder, black caps and gowns are required to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. 
• Download StagePass: Be sure to check your student email to download your StagePass, which will be used to check you in and when you line up to walk across the stage. It will be sent to your student email address one day before the ceremony. You can print it or show on your phone. Please have your phone fully charged to avoid delays with check-in and crossing the stage. 
  
  

Guest Ticketing

Each graduate has received four complimentary guest tickets for their registered ceremony. Please note that there will be no entry for guests without a ticket. 

Ticket Distribution Reminders

• Login to Tassel (the same site used to register for the ceremony). 
• You may download and send tickets directly to your guests, or email tickets directly from the system to each guest.
• Each ticket has a unique QR code. Each ticket can only be used once and cannot be duplicated. Please ensure that you don't send the same ticket to more than one person.
• Be cautious of anyone attempting to sell tickets, as all official tickets are free of charge.

For help with ticket distribution, please click here to watch the ticket distribution tutorial. 

Timeline & Ceremony Schedule

There will be a morning and afternoon ceremony option. Graduates will only be able to attend the ceremony time they register to attend.

Morning Ceremony Timeline

• 7 a.m. - Arrival time for graduates.
• 8 a.m. - To manage traffic, guests will be admitted into the building no earlier than one hour before the ceremony.
• 9 a.m. - Ceremony begins
• The ceremony can last up to 2.5 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.

Afternoon Ceremony Timeline

• 12 p.m. - Required arrival time for graduates.
• 1 p.m. - To manage traffic, guests will be admitted into the building no earlier than one hour before the ceremony. 
• 2 p.m. - Ceremony begins
• The ceremony can last up to 2.5 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.
  
  

Share Details With Guests

• We have a dedicated webpage for guests to get all the details they need for your special day. Be sure to share this with loved ones. 
• On the day of the ceremony, your loved ones may visit hccs.edu/live to watch the ceremony live. 
  
  

Parking

• Parking is available in the Blue Lot (Gate 9) for $22 (plus tax) per vehicle. Type in the address: 8825 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054, for specific driving directions.
• NRG Park now only accepts credit card payments for parking. They will no longer be accepting cash.
• After paying for parking, you will be guided to designated parking spaces based on the area's availability. There will be plenty of signage to guide you, as well as parking attendants and officers from HCC PD who will assist you.

Accessibility Accommodations

Graduates who need accommodations at the ceremony were advised to enter their needs on the registration form. Please check your email often for updates from HCC's Counseling and Abilities Services.

Bag Policies and Prohibited Items

• NRG Bag Policy: Only small bags under 11"x17" are allowed. Necessary diaper and medical bags are subject to inspection.
• NRG Prohibited Items: Please review the full list of prohibited items on the NRG Arena website, including weapons, firearms, large cameras, noisemakers, outside food or beverages (except for medical reasons and children), and more.
  
  

What to Expect on the Day of the Ceremony

Arrival and Check-in

• StagePass (ticket to enter the ceremony): StagePass is a graduate's ticket to enter the Commencement Ceremony. A StagePass will also be scanned when graduates arrive at Commencement and when they walk across the stage. A StagePass can be scanned or printed from a mobile device. Instructions to download your StagePass will be emailed on Thursday. 
• Ceremony Duration: The ceremony can last up to 3 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.
• Grad Celebration: Before the ceremony, snacks and water will be provided courtesy of the HCC Alumni Association. In addition, Student Life will have music, activities, and plenty of photo opportunities! 

Walking Across the Stage

• Proceed to the student staging area with your StagePass (QR code) ready. Staff will assist you and answer questions. Remember to return to your seat after receiving your recognition and stay until the ceremony ends. If you are using your phone to display your StagePass, please remember to keep your phone charged. 
• You will walk across the stage based on where you are seated. You will not walk in alphabetical order.
• It is important that you return to your seat after receiving your recognition and remain seated until the end of the ceremony. The ceremony can last up t o3 hours. Please plan to stay until the end.

After the Ceremony

At the end of the ceremony, graduates will reunite with their loved ones and receive their exclusive, free Class of 2025 HCC Alumni shirts! 

For Guests

Arrival

• Guests will be admitted to the venue no earlier than one hour before the ceremony.
• Guests will only be admitted into ceremony time of their graduate. If you are dropping off your graduate at their designated time, you will still not be admitted into the building until one hour before the ceremony begins.
  • 9 am Ceremony | Guests will not be admitted inside until 8 am 
  • 12 pm Ceremony | Guests will not be admitted inside until 1 pm
• To help ceremonies run smoothly, please be mindful of crowds when entering or exiting the arena. With two graduations scheduled back-to-back, we kindly ask all guests to follow posted signage, use designated exits, and avoid congested areas whenever possible.
  
  

Guest Ticketing and Entry Guidelines

• Please note that there will be no entry for guests without a ticket. Each guest must have a valid ticket (either printed or displayed on a mobile device) for entry. Please be cautious of anyone attempting to sell tickets, as all official tickets are free of charge.
• Children above the age of 3 are required to have a ticket.
• To ensure a smooth and organized ceremony, guests are not permitted on the graduate floor or staging area. All guests, including children, must remain in designated seating areas and cannot be seated with graduating students. Unattended minors are not permitted. 
  
  

Parking

• Parking is available in the Blue Lot (Gate 9) for $22 (plus tax) per vehicle. Type in the address: 8825 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054, for specific driving directions.
• NRG Park now only accepts credit card payments for parking. They will no longer be accepting cash.
• After paying for parking, you will be guided to designated parking spaces based on the area's availability. There will be plenty of signage to guide you, as well as parking attendants and officers from HCC PD who will assist you.
• If you need accessible parking, please ask onsite parking attendants and/or officers from HCC PD who will assist you.
  
  

ADA Accessibility Accommodations

• Guests can find details about accessible parking and venue features in NRG's Accessibility Guide.
• Accessibility areas are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive on time to secure your spot.
• Sign language and interpreting services will be provided at both ceremonies.

Bag Policy and Prohibited Items

• Bags: Only bags smaller than 11"x17" are allowed. Necessary diaper bags and medical bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Please review the full list of prohibited items on the NRG Arena website, including weapons, firearms, large cameras, noisemakers, outside food or beverages (except for medical reasons and children), and more.

After the Ceremony and Exit Guidelines 

Following the ceremony, graduates will have the opportunity to reunite with guests and take photos. To ensure a smooth transition between ceremonies, please be mindful of crowd flow.

With two graduations scheduled back-to-back, all guests are asked to follow posted signage, use designated exits, and avoid gathering in high-traffic areas.