UTEP Welcomes Back Students with Three Weeks of Exciting Fall Events
Miner Welcome provides students with connections, resources and experiences that define the UTEP experience
EL PASO, Texas (Aug. 19, 2026) – New and returning UTEP students will be greeted by Miner Welcome this fall semester with 23 straight days of student-driven events and celebrations. Miner Welcome is a long-running tradition that aims to foster a sense of belonging and pique curiosity among students to get involved in campus culture.
Miner Welcome begins with Move-In Day on Aug. 20 for those living in the University’s three on-campus residence halls and will end with the 35th annual Minerpalooza on Sept. 11.
“Miner Welcome is about more than a series of events – it’s about fostering meaningful connections among students and helping them feel at home at UTEP,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D. “When students experience a true sense of belonging, they are more likely to succeed both academically and personally. These traditions help set the stage for a successful semester while reinforcing that every student is a valued member of the Miner family.”
A highlight of Miner Welcome will take place on the first day of the fall semester. The 6th annual Texas Western Gold Rush is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 on Centennial Plaza. This will include a live concert, giveaways, fireworks and special guests.
Minerpalooza, at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 on Centennial Plaza, serves as a capstone to this year’s Miner Welcome and is free and open to the public. The event will feature games and activities hosted by student organizations and a live music lineup that includes Battle of the Bands contestants and other musical artists. Pete’s Playground, a dedicated kids’ area, will also be part of the experience, as well as food trucks and other vendors. For those over the age of 21, there will be areas to purchase wine and beer. More information is available at utep.edu/minerpalooza.
Here are other highlights from the first three weeks of the new semester:
Friday, Aug. 21, Late Night at the Rec: Students, alumni and guests will have the opportunity to stay and play at the Student Recreation Center until midnight. Games such as laser tag, a neon pool party and extreme archery will begin at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 23, Welcome Back BBQ Bash: The Welcome Back BBQ Bash, hosted by Housing and Residence Life, is the largest fall event for campus housing residents, featuring free food, music and games to foster community and connection.
Wednesday, Aug. 26, Pete’s Round-Up: Involvement Fairs: Students will kick off the fall semester by connecting with campus resources, organizations and other opportunities during Pete’s Round-Up, a two-day involvement fair designed to help students explore ways to engage and succeed at UTEP. The event provides new and returning students with the opportunity to discover campus programs, build connections and become more involved in the University community.
To see the complete Miner Welcome schedule, visit utep.edu/student-affairs/minerwelcome/
Last Updated on August 19, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published August 19, 2026
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
