Questions and Answers
- When is the Spring Sunflower Ceremony?
The ceremony will start at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2009. Graduates are asked to arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony to line up for the processional. Meet in the Lone Star Room. Enter the Erwin Center through the Red River entrance.
- Where will the Spring Sunflower Ceremony be held?
The ceremony will be held in the Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center at 1701 Red River St.
- Do I need to buy tickets or reserve seating?
No tickets will be issued for the Sunflower Ceremony. Seating will be on a first-come, first-seated basis, and there will be plenty of seats available to accommodate family members and friends. For your convenience, here is a seating chart for the Erwin Center. Invite everyone you know!
Please note that a ticket for the graduate is needed for the UT Main Campus Commencement Ceremony.
- What is the proper attire for graduates?
The traditional Law School academic regalia is business attire, which means a suit/dress/pantsuit for the women and a suit with tie for the men. Wear what you would wear in the courtroom. Women, please do not wear a dress with thin straps. That is not appropriate business attire and it makes pinning the sunflower very awkward, especially for a male dean. While many students have traditionally worn white suits at the Sunflower Ceremony, it is not required.
- Who may participate in the Spring Sunflower Ceremony?
The University of Texas December 2008 and May and August 2009 J.D. and LL.M. graduates may participate in the ceremony. Everyone is recognized in alphabetical order by degree: J.D.s first, and then the LL.M. graduates. Diplomas are not handed out. Visiting students may not participate in the Sunflower Ceremony or the UT Commencement.
- Can my child(ren) walk across the stage with me as I receive my sunflower?
Yes, this is a tradition at UT Law. If you would like for your children to walk across the stage with you, we ask that they be near the southeast corner of the Erwin Center arena. As your row makes its way to the ramp, you should meet your child(ren) at the designated area. For your convenience, here is a seating chart for the Erwin Center. Children as young as a few days old and as old as teenagers have participated in the past.
- Where is parking available for the Erwin Center?
Recommended parking areas are at the northwest corner of MLK and Red River or in Parking Garage 7 at the southeast corner of MLK and Trinity.
- Are there accommodations for persons with disabilities?
Yes. All persons in wheelchairs or those needing assistance should enter through the Red River Street entrance. The ushers there will provide assistance and direct persons to the special seating area on the arena floor.
- Is disabled parking available at the Erwin Center?
A limited number of disabled parking spaces are available along Red River. If these spots are already taken, it may be necessary to drop off any disabled individuals at the front of the Erwin Center before finding a parking space.
- What else do I need to do to graduate?
Everyone must have completed an "Application for Graduation" form in the Student Affairs Office (Rm. 2.117). You also need to pass your courses for the required 86 hours!
- How long will the Sunflower Ceremony last?
Our goal is for the ceremony to last no more than 2 hours, but it all depends on the length of the speeches and the number of graduates.
- Will food/refreshments be provided?
After the ceremony, the Law School Alumni Association will host a reception to honor the graduates at the Law School Atrium.
- Should I attend the UT commencement?
The university-wide ceremony is also on Saturday, May 23, in front of the UT Tower at 8 p.m. Graduates are recognized by college/school. The traditional academic (cap and gown) or law school regalia (business attire, a suit, what you would wear in the courtroom) may be worn. Everyone will be given a silk sunflower. A processional ticket for the graduate is needed for this ceremony. Processional tickets may be picked up in-person only at the following locations:
• The Performing Arts Center Box Office
(23rd Street and Robert Dedman Drive)
Open noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Special hours Friday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Frank Erwin Center Red River Box Office
(1701 Red River Street)
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Special hours Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
•
UT Athletics Ticket Office
Bellmont Hall, First Floor Lobby
Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Special hours Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A UT ID must be presented at the time that the ticket is picked up. Only the graduate needs a ticket. There is open seating for the guests. Additional information on the university-wide ceremony and ticket pick-up may be found at http://www.utexas.edu/commencement/2009/.