UTRGV brings back in-person commencement ceremonies

After a year of postponing due to the pandemic, UTRGV Spring and Summer 2021 eligible students and 2020 graduates will be able to participate in an in-person or virtual commencement ceremony in May.

In emails sent to students last week, the university announced the Spring 2021 ceremonies will be held May 7 on the Edinburg campus parking lot E16 and May 8 on the Brownsville campus parking lot B3.

For 2020 graduates, ceremonies will be held on May 13 in Brownsville and May 14 through 15 in Edinburg in the same parking lots.

The commencement ceremonies will follow local, state and CDC guidelines to protect the health of students, guests and the university community.

University Registrar Sofia Almeda said UTRGV did not provide students with an exact time for the commencement ceremonies.

“Currently the RSVP deadline is set for Monday, April 5,” Almeda said. “That is a really important deadline because we will then use that data to determine how many students we’re expecting and when we can schedule the ceremonies.”

She adds the university wants to ensure it allows enough time for students to check in, socially distance themselves and reduce congestion.

Graduates will be given four electronic tickets to share with guests.

Almeda said that although it’s been done in the past, students will not be able to give extra tickets to peers this time around.

“Our ideal is to keep as few guests as possible, but allow students up to four to celebrate,” she said. “So, it’s kind of striking a balance between overcrowding and still having close family there to celebrate it. So extra tickets and exchange of tickets won’t be something that’s permitted this year.”

According to the emails, in the event of an increase in COVID-19 cases or inclement weather, ceremonies will be canceled and will not be rescheduled.

Almeda said although it is the plan, ultimately, the Office of the University Registrar is on standby to follow whatever directions they get from the senior leadership at UTRGV.

History senior Kris Garcia will be choosing the in-person ceremony and is excited to attend.

“Despite that they are taking their precautions and, you know, the whole protocol is always ensuring for the safety of the students and the people,” Garcia said. “I am more than pleased and very happy to at least get one.”

She said the thing she looks most forward to is having her parents see her walk across the stage.

For questions or more information about graduation, visit utrgv.edu/commencement.