UTEP to Hold In-Person Commencement Ceremonies

COVID-19 prevented graduates from being able to celebrate their achievement. One year later it looks like we're going to be able to get back to gathering. UTEP is going to be having in-person ceremonies. Yes, that's plural, as there will be a couple of them.

Both ceremonies will be at the Sun Bowl, and they will be for both the classes of 2021, but also the class of 2020. The first ceremony will take place on Friday, May 14th at 7pm, and the second ceremony will take place the next day, Saturday, May 15th at 7pm.

UTEP President Heather Wilson said:

We’re looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our 2020 and 2021 graduates. Now that COVID-19 cases are declining in our community, and we have been able to vaccinate many of our students, faculty, staff and their family members through the UTEP vaccination program, we can safely host a meaningful in-person ceremony in the Sun Bowl.

How many guests can each graduate invite? For right now that number is two, but it could go up. Once officials are able to go through the numbers and see just how many guests are expected, they might allow students to invite more guests. Some COVID-19 protocols will still be in place, including:

• Face coverings will still be required
• Hand sanitation stations will be located throughout the stadium
• Social distancing will also be enforced

If you still aren't comfortable in a large gathering like this, but you know someone who graduated, you will be able to livestream the ceremony.