What Guests Can Expect at Commencement

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]Excited to watch your loved one graduate? Here are some helpful tips to make your day smooth and stress-free.

[00:00:05]Arrive early. Heavy traffic is expected, so plan your route and give [music] yourself plenty of time. We recommend arriving at least 1 hour before the ceremony starts.

[00:00:14]>> [music] >> Guests will be directed to park in any of the designated lots around Bert Ogden Arena. Then, head to the main entrance to enter. [music] UTRGV vaults will be available to help transport graduates to the graduate check-in area. Be sure to review the arena's bag policy and prohibited items beforehand. [music] You won't be able to bring items like balloons, strollers, noisemakers, [music] or wrapped gifts.

[00:00:36]Don't worry, memorabilia, flowers, and other fun items will be available for purchase inside. [music] Oh, and about bags, they must follow the arena's bag policy, 10 by 8 by 2, or clear bags up to 12 [music] by 12 by 6 in.

[00:00:49]You can find the complete list of approved bags and prohibited items at utrgv.edu/commencement, or [music] get ready to screenshot. Make sure every guest has their ticket ready. Each ticket has a unique QR code that will be scanned upon [music] arrival. If your graduate sends you an electronic ticket, it might be a good idea to print it out [music] just in case. And remember, if you leave the arena, you must scan out to come back in. Sitting is first [music] come, first served, so find a spot quickly. Finally, for family and friends who can't join in person, [music] the ceremony will be streamed live at utrgv.edu/live and on Facebook. We hope this video helped, and don't forget to send it to others attending. See you at commencement.