Traditions help UTSA graduates stand out at Commencement

MAY 9, 2024 -Thousands of graduating Roadrunners celebrate earning their degrees each May and December by participating in special traditions tied to the momentous occasion.

UTSA's Commencement ceremonies will return to the Alamodome on Friday, May 17. Graduates of the College of Education and Human Development, the College for Health, Community and Policy, the College of Sciences and University College will cross the stage during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Graduates of the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, the College of Liberal and Fine Arts and the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design will receive their degrees at the 4:30 p.m. ceremony.

Scheduled at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, graduating doctoral students will participate in the doctoral hooding ceremony. At this memorable celebration, each UTSA graduate will be introduced one-by-one, to cross the stage and accept their Ph.D. degree. While on stage, a faculty member or advisor will drape the doctoral hood over the graduate's head and rest it on their shoulders in front of a community of family members and friends. This year's celebration will be held at the Arts Building Recital Hall on the Main Campus.

There are many traditions involving the accessories students wear at Commencement. The stoles and cords draped over students' shoulders have special meanings. Stoles, the colored sashes that students wear draped around their necks, represent involvement in various activities at UTSA. For example, student-athletes and Honors College students receive special stoles to wear.