Sunflower FAQs

1. When and where will the Sunflower Ceremony be held?

   The ceremony is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Gregory Gym. Ceremony participants must assemble by 2:45 p.m. Graduates should enter through the ground floor main doors (as if you were using the Gym).

   Guests may enter the historic gym up the exterior steps on Speedway starting at 3 p.m. Only guests with disabilities should enter through the ground floor main doors.

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2. Do I need to buy tickets or reserve seating?

   No. Seating at the Sunflower Ceremony is first-come, first-seated. There will be plenty of seats available, so invite everyone you know!

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3. Who may participate in the ceremony?

   December 2022 and May and August 2023 JD and LLM graduates may participate. LLMs, then JDs are recognized in alphabetical order. Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony but mailed to graduates later. Visiting students may not participate.

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4. How do I order invitations for my guests?

   Invitations can be ordered at the University Co-Op. It's recommended you order at least 2 weeks before graduation to ensure that your announcements and invitations arrive in time. Visit www.universitycoop.com for online order forms, or visit The Co-Op East.

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5. What is the proper attire for graduates?

   Traditional Law School academic regalia is a business suit.  While white suits – along with khaki and seersucker – have been a longstanding tradition from the Law School’s beginning, business attire of any hue are appropriate for both men and women. Caps and gowns are not prohibited, but are not customary.

   The Sunflower Ceremony is a formal event commemorating your graduation from a professional school; additionally, there are always many prestigious guests in attendance. Neither shorts and other casual clothing nor formal, dressy attire more suitable for a party are appropriate. Flip-flops and other non-professional shoes may not be worn. Graduates who fail to comply with the dress code may be excluded from the ceremony.

   Students who are interested in wearing formal doctoral regalia are encouraged to attend the evening University-wide ceremony, featuring live music and fireworks. Students may choose to wear their business professional attire or doctoral regalia at the evening ceremony. See below.

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6. Can my children walk across the stage with me as I receive my sunflower?

   Yes. Your children may sit in a designated row just behind the graduate seating, on the right as they face the stage.  There will be sufficient seating for the children and TWO accompanying adults per family.  The children will be able to join you as your row stands up to walk across the stage.  The accompanying adult(s) should then meet the children as they come off the stage.

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7. Will professional photographs be taken?

   Yes.  You will hear directly from the University's official photography vendor after the ceremony.

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8. Where should I park?

   If mobility is not a concern, please park in the San Jacinto Garage. The roads around the Stadium will be closed because of the University ceremony, and we encourage you to walk back to the Law School after the ceremony for the reception.

   Guests with disabilities can be dropped off at 21st and Speedway. Vehicles can then proceed to the Brazos Garage. A map with driving directions can be found here.

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9. What disability accommodations exist?

   Guests with disabilities may be dropped off on 21st Street near the corner of Speedway; the car can then proceed to Brazos Garage.  There will be no disability parking on site. A map with driving directions can be found here.

   The University provides a limited number of wheelchairs to transport guests to the arena. Guests must be able to transfer from the wheelchair to a seat. Guests may also bring personal wheelchairs, and there will be a small wheelchair accessible section on the arena floor, with room for one accompanying able-bodied guest per wheelchair.  There is also room for wheelchairs at the end of each seating row.

   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.

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10. Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

    Yes! We are thrilled to be hosting a full in-person Sunflower Ceremony this year, but we understand that many friends and family members are unable to travel. We will be livestreaming the ceremony on the Law School’s YouTube channel.

     

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11. What else do I need to do to graduate?
    • All graduates must have completed an Application for Graduation, and must have completed sufficient hours to graduate. Students who cannot complete the online application should contact the Student Affairs Office. The graduation application is due March 28.
    • All graduates must complete the Sunflower Ceremony RSVP form by March 28.
    • 3Ls must complete a Graduate Employment Survey and a CSO exit interview.
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12. How long will the ceremony last?

    The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.

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13. Will food/refreshments be provided?

    You and your guests are warmly invited to join us at the Law School after the ceremony for light refreshments. It is a wonderful time to mingle with other graduates, as well as the faculty.

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14. Should I attend the UT commencement?

    The university-wide ceremony is also on Saturday, May 6, Time TBD in DKR Stadium. Graduates are recognized in groups by college/school. The traditional academic (cap and gown) or law school regalia (business suit, with your sunflower) must be worn.

    Tickets are required for graduates and guests to attend the university-wide ceremony in-person. Tickets are free of charge. There is no in-person ticket distribution for the university-wide ceremony.

    Graduate Ticketing
    All graduates must secure a graduate ticket to enter DKR-TMS for Commencement. These free tickets will be available online in mid-May. Graduates will be notified once tickets are available. Graduates must have a Texas Athletics ticket account to reserve their ticket.

    Guest Ticketing
    Tickets are required for all guests attending the university-wide ceremony. The tickets are free of charge and are available online now. There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite to the university-wide ceremony. Guests must have a Texas Athletics ticket account to reserve tickets and may set one up here. It is not recommended that graduates reserve tickets for their guests, as guests will enter the stadium separate from their graduate. Tickets are not required for children under the age of two years old.

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15. How do I obtain academic regalia?

    Prior to graduation, the Student Affairs Office will make doctoral robes and hoods available to borrow for pictures on campus. Sign up here!

    If you wish to rent your own regalia for photos or the evening ceremony, the Co-op deadline is April 15. The rental includes only the gown and hood. Pins and tams are available for purchase.

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