Information for Grads
MarchingOrder
Starting in Fall 2024, UTSA will be partnering with MarchingOrder, a leading software solution for managing graduation ceremonies in the Alamodome. This new system will enhance your commencement experience, making registration easier and more efficient.
Read full FAQ on the new process.
If you are planning to participate in Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremonies in the Alamodome, here's what you need to do:
- Complete Your MarchingOrder Profile by Nov. 19, 2024 – Confirm your participation by completing your profile through MarchingOrder. Check your email for an invitation to set up your account or visit the MarchingOrder website and select "New User." You can use your UTSA email to set up your password and profile.
- Personalize Your Experience – Completing your profile allows you to record your name for accurate pronunciation during the ceremony and gives you access to a “Grad Pass” for easy check-in.
- Watch for Updates – After registering, keep an eye on your email for additional details leading up to the ceremony.
If you miss the Nov. 19 deadline, you can still attend but may miss out on personalized ceremony features. For assistance, email graduationcoordination@utsa.edu.
Commencement Ceremonies
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 - 6:00 PM
All graduates receiving doctoral degrees
Arrive at the Recital Hall located in the Arts Building at 5 pm for check-in. If you are not on time, you may forfeit your right to walk the stage.
RSVP for the Doctoral Conferral Ceremony
Before the Doctoral Conferral Ceremony Begins:
- 5 – 5:40 pm: Graduates check-in and guidance for procession.
- Graduates will check in and pick up their name card, fill out the back of the card for photo information, and proceed to the ushers to line up for the procession.
- Please do not bring belongings (purses, bags, etc.) with you to the ceremony. There will not be a coat check available.
- 5:40 – 5:50 pm: Graduates line up for the procession.
- Graduates must be checked in and dressed in regalia.
- 5:50 – 6 pm: The procession line moves into position, preparing to enter the Recital Hall.
Important Details
- Guests are limited to four (4) per graduate due to limitations in seating in the venue. Graduates and guests will be seated separately.
- All names will be called. The ceremony will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Students are required to remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
- Doctoral graduates are welcome to attend the ceremony for their academic college on Saturday, but the hooding process occurs only at this ceremony.
- The Ceremony will take place in the UTSA Recital Hall, located on the 2nd floor of the ART building. Guests can access the Recital Hall using the elevator on the 1st floor of the ART building, which leads directly to the main door of the hall.
- If you are coming from the 2nd floor on the Sombrilla side, please enter through the second entrance (located closest to the stairs) and the Recital Hall will be on your right-hand side.
Key Circle/Drop Off:
- Once you arrive, the building entrance is on the 1st floor.
- After entering the building, walk straight and take a slight left turn towards the elevators on the first floor.
- Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Once you exit the elevator, turn right and continue walking until you reach the end of the hallway. The Recital Hall will be on the left-hand side.
Parking Options (Please see the parking map.)
Free Parking:
- Parking is available in the Bauerle Lot 1 (BR1).
Paid Parking:
- Parking is available in the garages. The nearest garage to the Art Building is the Ximenes Avenue garage.
ADA Parking:
- Please note that limited ADA parking is available at the Key Circle roundabout (only 15 spots) and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Parking is available in all campus garages and parking lots.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 - 10:00 AM
- College for Health, Community and Policy
- College of Liberal and Fine Arts
- College of Sciences
Arrive at the Alamodome for check-in and lineup. If you are not on time, you may forfeit your right to walk the stage. The ceremony will begin.
- The student processional and seating will begin at 9:30 a.m. for Ceremony 1.
- Please check in 1 ½-2 hours before the ceremony start time to ensure a seat before the Ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.
Ceremony 1 Check-In Locations
- College of Sciences-Room P/O
- College of Health, Community and Policy-Room K/L
- College of Liberal and Fine Arts-Room N
- Lots B and C are available for parking, or you can be dropped off on Cherry Street between Lots B and C. The Alamodome charges a $20 parking fee per vehicle (credit only), so please plan accordingly.
- Graduates will check in and pick up their name card, fill out the back of the card for photo information, and proceed to the graduate seating area as instructed by the ushers.
- Please do not bring belongings (purses, bags, etc.) with you to the ceremony. There will not be a coat check available.
- Once in the Alamodome, graduates will follow designated signs to find the assigned check-in location.
- All names will be called. The ceremony will last approximately 2—2.5 hours.
- Students are required to remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
- After the ceremony, please exit the Alamodome immediately to meet your friends and family. No re-entry will be allowed.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 - 4:30 PM
- Alvarez College of Business
- College of Education and Human Development
- Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design
- University College
Arrive at the Alamodome for check-in and lineup. If you are not on time, you may forfeit your right to walk the stage. The ceremony will begin.
- The student processional and seating will begin at 4:00 p.m. for ceremony 2.
- Please check in 1 ½-2 hours before the ceremony start time to ensure a seat before the Ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m.
- Ceremony 2 Check-In Locations
- College of Education and Human Development-Room P/O
- University College-Room P/O
- Alvarez College of Business-Room K/L
- Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design-Room N
- Lots B and C are available for parking, or you can be dropped off on Cherry Street between Lots B and C. The Alamodome charges a $20 parking fee per vehicle (credit only), so please plan accordingly.
- Graduates will check in and pick up their name card, fill out the back of the card for photo information, and proceed to the graduate seating area as instructed by the ushers.
- Please do not bring belongings (purses, bags, etc.) with you to the ceremony. There will not be a coat check available.
- Once in the Alamodome, graduates will follow designated signs to find the assigned check-in location.
- All names will be called. The ceremony will last approximately 2—2.5 hours.
- Students are required to remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
- After the ceremony, please exit the Alamodome immediately to meet your friends and family. No re-entry will be allowed.
Alamodome Safety Procedures
The Alamodome has specific safety procedures that must be followed, including a prohibition on large bags, posters, noisemakers, banners, signs and more. All ceremony participants will be subject to a bag check and security scan. All attendees should carefully review the Alamodome Safety Procedures.
Services for Graduates with Disabilities
Degree candidates with disabilities who need accommodations to participate in their Commencement ceremony, are asked to send an email to commencement@utsa.edu to set up an appointment to discuss accommodation possibilities with the appropriate Commencement staff. Appointments are made from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
