Hooding ceremonies celebrate students graduating with a master’s or doctoral degree. For master’s students, the hood signifies their transition from student to ‘master.’ For doctoral candidates, the ceremony marks the culmination of their academic journey and their transition from student to colleague within the academic community.
These ceremonies highlight the scholarly and personal achievements of graduates who have completed their advanced degree requirements. While hooding ceremonies complement commencement exercises, they offer a more intimate occasion.
Attendees should plan to stay for the entire ceremony, as leaving early is considered poor etiquette during this important event.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: If you need special accommodations as a graduate or for a guest, please inform the event contact person prior to the ceremony.
Sykes College of Business
Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. in the Bob Martinez Athletic Center
Event contact:
Alyssa Borges, Staff Assistant II, Graduate and Continuing Studies
aborges@bakerstreetpublishing.com, or (813) 253-6249
College of Natural and Health Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 12 p.m. in the Crescent Club, 9th floor of the Vaughn Center
Event contact:
Jackie Sanchez, Staff Assistant II, Department of Nursing
jsanchez@bakerstreetpublishing.com, (813) 257-3302
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Friday, May 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. in Martinez Athletics Center Gymnasium
Event contact:
Jackie Sanchez, Staff Assistant II, Department of Nursing
jsanchez@bakerstreetpublishing.com, (813) 257-3302
Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science
Friday, May 9, at 11 a.m. in Plant Hall Music Room
Event contact:
Alyssa Borges, Staff Assistant II, Graduate and Continuing Studies
aborges@bakerstreetpublishing.com, or (813) 253-6249
Master of Physician Assistant Medicine
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
Event contact: Choko Doarn, Physician Assistant Medicine, (813) 257-3071
College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Crescent Club, 9th floor of the Vaughn Center. A reception will follow.
Event contact:
College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education
(813) 253-6262
College of Arts and Letters
Master of Arts in Professional Communication and Master of Arts in Social and Emerging Media
Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, 6 p.m. in the David Falk Theatre. A reception to follow.
Event contact:
College of Arts and Letters, (813) 257-6100
Graduates' Frequently Asked Questions
When should I arrive?
Graduates are asked to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony to complete the check-in process. The room is not open before the start of registration, so early arrival is discouraged.
What do I need to wear?
Graduates should wear their full graduation regalia (cap, gown and tassel). They should also bring their hoods, which will be placed over their heads as part of the ceremony. Graduates may order their regalia in the campus bookstore. There is no charge to graduates for their graduation regalia.
What occurs during the ceremony?
College officials will recognize each candidate for graduation and hood the candidate. Official pictures will be taken of the event and each individual being hooded. Select candidates will also be recognized for their academic achievement, for contributions during their graduate studies, and/or to speak on behalf of the graduating students.
Who is invited to attend?
Graduates are welcome to invite family members and friends to attend. Due to space limitations, the formal invitation may suggest a guest limit.
What about parking?
Guests attending the hooding ceremony may park in Thomas parking garage (enter from W North A Street) or West parking garage (enter from North Boulevard). Limited surface parking is also available. Handicapped parking is conveniently located around campus for those with handicap tags. See the campus map with the locations of parking.
