Q: When and where will the Sunflower Ceremony be held?
A: The ceremony will start at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Frank Erwin Center (1701 Red River). Ceremony participants must enter through the Red River entrance and assemble in the Lone Star Room by 2:45 p.m. Only ceremony participants, persons in wheelchairs, and those needing assistance will be allowed to enter though the Red River entrance. The final list of participants can be found here.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets or reserve seating?
A: No. Seating at the Sunflower Ceremony is first-come, first-seated. There will be plenty of seats available, so invite everyone you know!
Q: Who may participate in the ceremony?
A: December 2012 and May and August 2013 JD and LLM graduates may participate. JDs, then LLMs are recognized in alphabetical order. Diplomas are not handed out. Visiting students may not participate.
Q: How do I order invitations for my guests?
A: Invitations can be ordered at the University Co-Op. To ensure that your announcements and invitations arrive in time, please order no later than Monday, April 29, 2013. Visit www.universitycoop.com for online order forms, or visit The Co-Op East.
Q: What is the proper attire for graduates?
A: Traditional Law School academic regalia is business attire. "Business attire" means what you would wear in the courtroom. The Sunflower Ceremony is a formal event commemorating your graduation from a professional school; additionally, there are always many prestigious guests in attendance. While white suits have been a longstanding tradition from the Law School’s beginning, business suits and professional dress of any hue are appropriate "business attire" for both men and women. Business attire does not mean business casual. Flip flops and non-professional shoes are not appropriate. Coat and tie are required for men. Dresses and blouses with spaghetti straps, small straps, or straps of any kind are not appropriate courtroom attire for women. Sleeveless dresses walk the line; a jacket is always appropriate if you’re unsure. All students are asked to use good professional judgment. Shorts or other casual clothing are not appropriate for the Sunflower Ceremony.
Q: Can my children walk across the stage with me as I receive my sunflower?
A: Yes. Your children may wait in a designated area near the southeast corner of the arena to join you as your row approaches the stage.
Q: Will professional photographs be taken?
A: FLASH Photography will photograph each graduate at the ceremony and mail/email proofs soon thereafter.
Q: Where should I park?
A: Recommended parking areas are at the northwest corner of MLK and Red River, Trinity Garage at the southeast corner of MLK and Trinity, or Brazos Garage at 210 E MLK.
Q: What disability accommodations exist?
A: Please call the Student Affairs Office, (512) 232-1140, prior to the ceremony. A limited number of disabled parking spaces are available along Red River Street. The best option for those in wheelchairs or otherwise in need of assistance is to be dropped off and enter the Erwin Center through the Red River Street entrance. Ushers will assist and direct persons to a special seating area, where they will wait for the rest of their party. Vehicles with handicap parking tags may find additional free parking on lot 108, 118, and parking for the usual fee at the Trinity and Brazos garages. Additional disability accommodation requests should be made at least five days prior to Commencement activities. While every effort will be made, the University may be unable to fulfill last-minute requests.
Q: What else do I need to do to graduate?
A: All graduates must have completed an Application for Graduation (Due 5 pm on Monday, March 25, 2013), and must have completed sufficient hours to graduate.
Q: How long will the ceremony last?
A: The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.
Q: Will food/refreshments be provided?
A: Following the ceremony, a reception sponsored by the Alumni Association will be held in the Susman Godfrey Atrium. Everyone is welcome.
Q: Should I attend the UT commencement?
A: The university-wide ceremony is also on Saturday, May 18, 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) must be worn. A processional ticket for the graduate is needed for this ceremony. Tickets are for degree candidates only and are free of charge. Visit the University-wide Commencement website for more information.