Hooding ceremonies are for students graduating with a master’s degree. The placing of the hood signifies the passage from student to ‘master.’ The hooding ceremony and recognition of students’ accomplishments draw attention to the scholarly and personal achievements of the candidates for graduation who have completed their advanced degree requirements.
A hooding ceremony does not replace commencement exercises, but rather, complements commencement with a more intimate occasion.
When attending your hooding ceremony, you and your guests should plan to stay for the entire ceremony. It is extremely poor etiquette to leave early when participating in this important ceremonial 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
Thursday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. in Fletcher Lounge, Plant Hall
Event contact: Sydney Gilmore-Duffey, (813) 257-3470
College of Natural and Health Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing & Doctor of Nursing Practice
Thursday, Dec. 12, at 12 p.m. in VC Trustees Boardroom
Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 12 p.m. in VC Crescent Club
Event contact: Jackie Sanchez, Department of Nursing, (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, Department of Nursing, (813) 257-3302
Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science
Thursday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. in Plant Hall Music Room
Event contact: Sydney Gilmore-Duffey, (813) 257-3470
Master of Physician Assistant Medicine
Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. in Plant Hall Fletcher Lounge
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
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, 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
Wednesday, Dec. 11 , 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Charlene A. Gordon Theatre, Ferman Center for the Arts. A reception will follow.
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 location of parking.
