The 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremonies will take place Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Don Haskins Center. Doors open one hour before each ceremony. 

Saturday, December 14, 2024
1 p.m.
Colleges of Health Sciences and College of Nursing

6 p.m.
College of Science, Woody L. Hunt College of Business,and School of Pharmacy

Sunday, December 15, 2024
1 p.m.
College of Liberal Arts

6 p.m.
Colleges of Education and College of Engineering

The 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremonies will take place at Don Haskins Center located at 151 Glory Road, El Paso, TX 79902. Doors open one hour prior to each ceremony. 

The ceremonies will be live-streamed and available to view on the UTEP main home page or the UTEP Commencement home page . 

There will not be a general rehearsal for students participating in commencement.  

Only faculty, staff, and students who have been assigned the following designated roles will have a mandatory rehearsal:

Grand Marshals
Banner Bearers
Faculty/Staff/Student Marshals

RSVP For Commencement

An email is sent to graduates to RSVP for the commencement ceremony. The email includes the Commencement booklet and commencement instructions that will assist in planning for the commencement ceremony. The upcoming ceremony will be 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony. 

Candidates for graduation notify the University of their intention to participate in their graduation ceremony by registering with Marching Order. Candidates who are unsure if they will participate are advised to register even if the candidate is not sure of their attendance. A candidate registered through Marching Order receives critical information designed to inform the graduate about their graduation.

The RSVP deadline is November 15, 2024. 

If you have any questions, contact graduation@utep.edu.

You may still participate in commencement if you did not submit an RSVP. Please contact the Registration and Records Office at 915-747-5544 before Saturday, December 14, 2024, to let us know you will attend. If you are unable to contact us, please arrive at the Auxillary Gym inside Memorial Gym two hours prior to your ceremony to check in and prepare for the procession. 

If you have any questions, contact graduation@utep.edu.

Regalia is required to participate in the commencement ceremony. Regalia requirements differ for degrees and schools. Candidates can visit the UTEP Bookstore to purchase regalia and accessories. For last-minute purchases, the UTEP Bookstore will be open on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will also be located inside the Memorial Gym during Check-In times.

Bachelor Degree Candidate:
Cap, Gown, Tassel 

Master Degree Candidate:
Cap, Gown, Tassel, Hood

Doctoral Degree Candidate:
Cap, Gown, Tassel, Hood

Regalia (caps, gowns, tassels, etc) will be available for purchase online or in-person at the UTEP Bookstore up to the day of commencement. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Your graduation regalia can be purchased at the UTEP Bookstore during Grad Fair week and up until commencement day.

Address:
2201 Sun Bowl Dr
El Paso, TX US 79902

Phone:
(915) 747-5594

 Email:
1006mgr@follet.com

Are you located out of town?

Regalia items are available to order online via the UTEP Bookstore. 
ORDER HERE

To order your Custom Doctoral Regalia, please contact:
Renee Martinez, Jostens' representative
By phone at (505) 264-8995 or by email at renee.martinez@jostens.com  
1-800-854-7464 or visit their website.

The UTEP Bookstore is selling the following cords and stoles:

First Generation Cord: $16

Honor Cord: $16
*Please note: The UTEP Bookstore has a list of recipients who are able to purchase or be awarded an Honor Cord.  Contact your advisor, department, or college Dean's Office should you have questions about receiving your Honor Cord. 

UTEP Custom Stole: $40

UTEP Bookstore Information:

Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Address:
2201 Sun Bowl Dr
El Paso, TX US 79902

Phone:
(915) 747-5594

Email:
1006mgr@follet.com

Caps are allowed to be decorated as long as it is appropriate and not obstructive or distracting. 

There is no guest limit for the Commencement ceremonies.

Guest tickets are not required to enter the Don Haskins Center. All seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserving seats is prohibited. Guests are advised to arrive early due to the large number of people attending the ceremony. The doors will open one hour prior to each ceremony.

UTEP strongly encourages guests to not bring any type of bags, but guests will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:

• Bags (including clear backpacks) that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand (4.5" x 6.5" or smaller), with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag
• Medical bags that contain health necessary items are acceptable after proper inspection and approval from venue personnel/security

CLEAR BAG POLICY FAQ

Why is UTEP implementing this policy?
UTEP regularly evaluates existing policies, practices, and procedures to determine its level of compliance with industry-recognized best practices.  We determined that a revision of the policy was necessary in order to continue providing our guests with the safest and most enjoyable experience.  World events continue to shape the methods utilized for venue security within UTEP and the Event Management industry.

How is the new policy more convenient for guests?
The clear bags will enable security to move guests through checkpoints much faster than in the past.  A standard size bag eliminates the need for bag templates to check bag sizes.  Clear bags allow staff to be more efficient and effective in keeping you safe by preventing dangerous items from entering the venue.

How does the new policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches.

How many bags can a person bring into the venue?
Each guest is permitted to bring one large clear bag, either the 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag or a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag, plus a small clutch purse (5" x 7").  The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and can be easily searched.

What about diaper bags?
Everything that you would put into a diaper bag must now be carried in a clear bag.  Each member of a family, including children, is allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the venue.

What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Guests carrying bags that do not meet specifications will be asked to return them to their vehicles.

Guests parking in remote lots and/or taking alternate forms of transportation to UTEP facilities should consult UTEP Event Venue policies and procedures prior to arrival in order to minimize inconveniences.

If I have items that I need to bring into the venue for medical purposes and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Exceptions will be made for guests with approved medical needs.  Medically necessary bags or equipment brought into a venue will be inspected and tagged by security.  

For questions about medical equipment or other needs, please call the UTEP Special Events Office at (915) 747-5481.

Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
No. Limitations have been placed on the type of bags carried into the venue, not the items that are permissible. Guests can continue to carry items such as keys, makeup, women's products, combs, phones, wallets, credit cards, cameras, binoculars, etc., in their hands or pockets if they choose not to place them in a clear bag or clutch purse (5" x 7"). Guests can carry a blanket over their shoulders, and binoculars and/or cameras around their necks or in their hands without the case. Guests can also carry any personal items that meet the specified criteria in the clear bag or clutch purse.

Will clear bags with patterns or oversized logos be permitted?
No.  These types of bags are prohibited as they can jeopardize the screening process by not allowing security staff to view through and inside of the bag.  

ADA Entrances are located at East Entrance (Mesa St.), North Entrance (Sun Bowl Drive), and West Entrance (Glory Road). See Map.

Seating on the floor level is limited to only those that are directly participating in the ceremony. Therefore, there is no public access to the Don Haskins Center via the tunnel entrance off Glory Road.

Seating on the floor level is limited to only those that are directly participating in the ceremony. Therefore, there is no public access to the Don Haskins Center via the tunnel entrance off Glory Road. To access the ADA Entrances located at East Entrance (Mesa St.), North Entrance (Sun Bowl Drive), and West Entrance (Glory Road), use parking lots off Mesa St. or Sun Bowl Drive (SB-7, SB-8, ME-1).

It is recommended that those with wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and special needs/adult strollers enter through the North and East entrances of the Don Haskins Center.

Ushers will be available to direct all guests to accessible seating. Wheelchair and companion seating is found on the Concourse level in Sections E, D, J, L, Q, R, V & W. Only one family member may accompany the individual in these designated areas. All other family members must find seating as available.

A reserved seating section has been designated for guests that are deaf and need access to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services. Please ask to be seated in Sections V, W or X.

For the easiest building access, please park in the accessible parking lot SB-8 via the North entrance of the Don Haskins Center as indicated below. Please use Sun Bowl Drive to access lots SB-8 and ME-1.

• The Glory Road Parking Garage located on Glory Rd. and Mesa Street, is accessible for individuals with disabilities and is equipped with an elevator. All family members and guests with mobility impairments will need to enter the Don Haskins Center via the Mesa Street entrances. Seating on the floor level is limited to only those that are directly participating in the ceremony. Therefore, there is no public access to the Don Haskins Center via the tunnel entrance off Glory Road.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Purses and bags that are not clear. Click here to learn more:http://www.utepspecialevents.com/prohibited_items/clear_bag_policy
• Gift Bags
• Noisemakers
• Helium Balloons
• Large Signs/Banners
• Outside Foods/Drink
• Glass Containers
• Professional Cameras
• Vapor Products (E-Cigs
• Camera Tripods, Stabilizers
• Drones
• Airhorns/Whistles
• Strollers
• Confetti
• Umbrellas
• Selfie Sticks
• Laser Pens
• Car Seats
• Pets (Service Animals Only)

ARTICULOS PROHIBIDOS

• Bolsas de Regalo
• Silvatos
• Globos de Helio
• Cartulinas Grandes
• Alimentos o Bebidas
• Frascos de Vidrio
• Camaras (Profesionales)
• Cigarrillos (Electronicos)
• Tripie de Camara
• Drones
• Trompetas
• Carreolas
• Confeti
• Paraguas
• Plumas de Laser
• Silla de Coche
• Mascotas (Animales de Servico)

ALLOWABLE ITEMS

• Flowers
• Clear Bags (including clear backpacks) that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bag (4.5" x 6.5" or smaller), with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag
• Medical bags that contain health necessary items are acceptable after proper inspection and approval from venue personnel/security

To learn more about the Clear Bag Policy, please visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com/prohibited_items/clear_bag_policy .

The UTEP Bookstore is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Gifts such as UTEP apparel, accessories, and diploma covers can be purchased online or in person. 

UTEP Bookstore

In order to experience an enjoyable Commencement ceremony, please arrive at Memorial Gym at least 2 hours prior to the ceremony. Check-in will begin inside of Auxiliary Gym (room 120) at the following times:
For 1 p.m. Ceremony: 12 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 AM)
For 6 p.m. Ceremony: 5 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 PM)

Parking for graduating students is recommended in the GR2 lot located on Glory Road Drive and Sun Bowl Drive.

Bring your regalia!

Please leave all personal items (backpacks, purses, etc.) at home or in a safe place in your automobile. These items (along with, food, beverages, beach balls, balloons, confetti, noisemakers, silly string, etc.) will not be allowed in the Don Haskins Center.

Check-in is at the Auxilary Gym inside Memorial Gym located at 101 W. Robinson.

You will proceed down the hall towards the south lobby of Memorial Gym where the photographer will take your picture. You will then enter the gym from the south lobby entrance.

The card you will receive on Commencement Day is very important—DO NOT LOSE IT! It identifies you to the name reader. The LETTER and NUMBER in the middle left of the card is your position in the procession. The LETTER refers to the college lines, which are arranged alphabetically from left to right across Memorial Gym. The NUMBER is your position in that line. Find your line (A, B, etc.) and then locate your position in that line.

After you check-in, members of the UTEP Alumni Association will present you with an official Miner Pick lapel pin to welcome you to a long-lasting and fruitful relationship with the Association. Every time you look at this UTEP pin, you will fondly remember your UTEP experience and remain connected with your alma mater.

Every member of the graduating class will receive a keepsake printed copy of the program to commemorate this special occasion. Programs will be placed on each chair to take with you. If you will not be participating in commencement, you can still receive a program by contacting (915) 747-8244. 

However, to accommodate the shift toward digital content, the 2021 Fall Commencement program will now be made available electronically to guests at www.utep.edu/commencement.

Graduates must check-in at Memorial Gym. For the easiest access, parking in the GR-2 lot is recommended 

For the easiest building access, please park in the accessible parking lot SB-8 via the North entrance of the Don Haskins Center as indicated below. Please use Sun Bowl Drive to access lots SB-8 and ME-1.

• The Glory Road Parking Garage located on Glory Rd. and Mesa Street, is accessible for individuals with disabilities and is equipped with an elevator. All family members and guests with mobility impairments will need to enter the Don Haskins Center via the Mesa Street entrances. Seating on the floor level is limited to only those that are directly participating in the ceremony. Therefore, there is no public access to the Don Haskins Center via the tunnel entrance off Glory Road.

Guests may park in the perimeter lots around the Don Haskins Center: GR1, GR2, GR6 (paid lot), and SB7.

No diplomas will be received during commencement.

*Diplomas will be mailed as soon as degrees are awarded. Students will receive an email regarding the diploma order date and must verify name and address before the order is placed.

• Degrees are conferred approximately two months following the end of each long semester (December and May) and at the end of the long summer session (August). The degree will be posted to the transcript with the commencement date for each long semester and the last day of finals for the long summer session.

• A graduating student who has an outstanding financial obligation with the university will not receive a diploma or transcript until such obligation is satisfied in full. To clear the financial debt, contact the Student Business Services Office at (915) 747-5116.
• Diplomas are mailed to the address provided by the student

The name appears on the diploma as it appears on the official university record. Only legal names can appear on the diploma.

• The degree title will appear in the center of the diploma below the student’s name. The student’s major(s) will appear on the diploma only if it is not included in the official degree title. Institutional academic honors awarded will appear below the major(s).

• Certificates, concentrations, endorsements, minors, honors earned in the department or the University Honors Program will only appear on the student’s academic transcript and NOT on the diploma.

Diploma Information