Commencement guide: UTEP prepares for graduation weekend

Iziah Moreno

Graduates will fill the Don Haskins Center as UTEP celebrates its Spring commencement ceremonies May 16–17, marking the culmination of years of hard work. Families and friends are expected to gather to honor students as they walk the stage across multiple college ceremonies.

Ximena Cordero, Editor-in-Chief • May 5, 2026

The sound celebration will soon fill the Don Haskins Center as thousands of graduates in decorated regalia cross the stage and families will flood the arena during Spring commencement ceremonies at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

The following information provided by UTEP’s Commencement page and the UTEP Office of Special Events is as follows:

Saturday, May 16

1 p.m. – College of Liberal Arts
6 p.m. – College of Education and College of Engineering

Sunday, May 17

1 p.m. – College of Health Sciences and College of Nursing
6 p.m. – College of Science, Woody L. Hunt College of Business and School of Pharmacy

Graduates will be directed to the GR2 lot, while guests will be guided to surrounding parking areas, including SB7 and the Glory Road Parking Garage, where paid parking will be in effect.

For families traveling with relatives who have mobility impairments, accessible parking will be available in the ME1 lot along Mesa Street. Those guests must enter through the east entrance of the Don Haskins Center.

As attendees move toward the entrances, security measures will be in place. Bags will be checked, and only a limited number of items will be allowed inside. The university’s clear bag policy permits:

Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags within size limits
One-gallon clear plastic bags
Small clutch bags
Medical bags, subject to inspection

Beyond the checkpoints, some familiar graduation traditions will have to stay outside. Balloons, airhorns, noise confetti, large signs, professional camera equipment, tripods, drones and outside food or drinks, except in cases of medical necessity, are all prohibited.

Other restricted items include strollers, umbrellas, selfie sticks and any object that could obstruct views or pose a safety concern. One sealed plastic water bottle per guest will be allowed.

For many, the walk across the stage will mark the end of years of coursework, jobs, sacrifices and long nights. For families, it is a moment of pride.

For more information contact the University Events by calling 915-747-8244 or emailing [email protected].

Ximena Cordero is the editor-in-chief for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected].edu and on LinkedIn @ximenacordero

About the Contributors

Ximena Cordero, Editor-in-Chief

Ximena Cordero is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in political science. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Prospector, She is also the membership chair for the UTEP chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). She is a former Puente News Student Collaborative Fellow with KVIA ABC-7. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in political investigative journalism focusing on the Borderland.

Iziah Moreno, Photo Editor

Iziah Moreno is a junior media advertising student at the University of Texas at El Paso. He is the photo editor for both The Prospector and Minero Magazine and is the treasure for National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). After graduation, he hopes to work in the world of media.