Fall commencement brings the campus together to celebrate its graduates, but this year’s ceremony carries extra significance.
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) started the fall 2025 semester with more than 26,000 students enrolled, the highest in school history. That milestone paved the way for thousands of Miners preparing to finish their degrees in December.
Official graduation numbers are not yet released, but historical trends offer estimations.
Based on recent trends over the last few years, the fall graduating class is expected to include roughly 7,150 to 7,350 seniors. Of those, around 2,800 to 3,000 students are likely to participate in commencement and receive their degrees this December, reflecting the smaller size of fall ceremonies compared to the commencements held in the spring.
Spring ceremonies typically have more graduates, while fall graduations usually feature smaller classes, which can make the event feel more personal for students and their families.
Several colleges expect to have their usual strong showings. In the past, the college of engineering, business administration and liberal arts produced some of the biggest graduating group totals. Two of the most popular majors include psychology and biological sciences.
Current students say they feel inspired watching senior classes approach the finish line. For nursing major Julian Jasso that feeling resonates deeply.
“Seeing seniors walk is like looking in my, hopeful, future. It’s motivation to know each semester someone’s life is about to change as they join their awaited field. I can’t wait for that to be me,” Jasso said.
Underclassman anticipation captures a strong feeling of imagination, dreaming of walking the stage in their spotlight moment.
A big part of UTEP’s growing enrollment, according to Jasso, comes from the university’s strong local roots.
“Most know UTEP has a great amount of El Pasoans in their student body. I think the rise of students comes down to high school students realizing the hidden gem they have here in their hometown,” Jasso said.
While graduation is about more than just statistics; the scale is not to be ignored. There is an expected attendance of about 30,000 people across the two commencement dates, with graduating seniors RSVP numbers in the mid-to-high 80% range. Final numbers will shift after all degree audits close on Jan. 9, 2026, the last day UTEP can award fall 2025 degrees. The university also tracks enrollment earlier, because Dec. 14 marks the end of commencement weekend as the point when most RSVPs and ceremony data get finalized.
Alumni often return to witness the celebration that shaped their own experiences. Being part of a crowd of thousands adds energy but also a sense of shared accomplishment. Merri Nevers, an alumna from class of 1998, recalls her favorite moment vividly.
“Walking to my seat in the procession with my fellow graduates, feeling proud — that [feeling] stands out. My journey wasn’t easy. That walk was my ‘Wow, I did it!’ moment,” Nevers said. “The crowd at my graduation was energetic. I remember groups cheering loudly when their loved one’s name was called. It created a festive, upbeat atmosphere.”
She added that the whole ceremony made the milestone feel bigger than she expected, almost like the room was celebrating every graduate at once.
Nevers also reflected on how the university has evolved since her time on campus. She remembered graduating in a class that included only two Black students, underscoring how much things have changed over the years.
Even with the challenges of underrepresentation, UTEP remained special to Nevers. She had been able to watch the campus grow into a more connected and diverse community.
Commencement is as personal as it is collective. Small but meaningful traditions highlight the ceremony’s emotional impact even for the next generation.
“I can’t wait to take senior photos in front of the pickaxe statue. Seeing it from I-10 all my life to being able to say I conquered the university… I’ve always looked forward to that,” Jasso said.
With a couple of weeks remaining until the big event, some details and counts will not be finalized until UTEP releases official numbers.
Even so, the bigger picture is already taking shape. A record enrollment year ends with thousands of students crossing the stage, stepping into the alumni network, and moving toward careers that will shape the world.
The mix of excitement and nerves becomes real as graduation gets closer. Stepping into the next chapter can feel overwhelming for many students, and even a little bit anxiety filled.
Nevers hopes the Class of 2025 carries something steady with them as they embark on the next steps of their journeys.
“Fellow UTEP Miners, my advice to you can be summed up in three words: WALK IN COURAGE! The world will always be a little wonky, and life won’t always go the way you plan,” Nevers said. “But you show up anyway. Be your best self, trust your instincts, and remember that every step forward counts more than you think.”
Cameron Mason is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
