Brownsville Ceremony Inclement Weather FAQs
If Commencement cannot be held Friday outdoors due to inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the following day in the evening at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. Every reasonable effort will be made to hold commencement in Brownsville as planned. The university will monitor precarious conditions that may impact the integrity of the ceremony and make the best possible decision based on the safety of all those involved. Changes due to inclement weather will be communicated via emails from MarchingOrder, social media, and email 48 hours prior to Commencement.
Why would the Brownsville ceremony be moved to Edinburg instead of hosting at another Brownsville venue?
No indoor facility on the Brownsville campus or in the Brownsville area can accommodate the graduating class, thousands of guests, and multiple ceremonies without drastically limiting the number of guests. Currently, at the outdoor ceremony, Brownsville graduates are able to invite unlimited guests. They will continue to have unlimited guests if the ceremony is moved to Bert Ogden Arena.
What if there is a forecast of light to moderate rain? Can graduates and guests bring umbrellas?
Graduates and their guests should plan to attend with appropriate rain gear (e.g., rain ponchos, raincoats, rain boots, and something to cover wet chairs). Raincoats are strongly encouraged.
Umbrellas are permitted; however, please be considerate of other guests as umbrellas may block their view during the ceremony.
What if on the morning of the ceremony, before it starts, the weather is severe with heavy rain, flooding, thunderstorms, or tornado watch/warning?
Severe weather may necessitate a delay in the start of the ceremony. Instructions will be sent via UTRGV email to students graduating. If the forecast indicates no change in the severity of the weather after having delayed the ceremony for more than one hour, the ceremony will be moved to the following day (Saturday) at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. Specific time and further details will be shared with graduates by UTRGV email for them to share with their guests.
What if the ceremony starts and while it is underway, we are interrupted due to unexpected severe weather?
Graduates and guests should follow instructions as announced on the stage and screens. It is advised that you prearrange a meeting place with your family and guests in case the ceremony cannot continue.
If the forecast indicates no change in the severity of the unexpected weather after having delayed the ceremony for more than one hour, the ceremony will be moved to the following day (Saturday) at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. This will be announced to graduates and guests via intercom on-site.
Why do we need an inclement weather plan for the Brownsville ceremony?
We have adjusted our inclement weather plan based on concerns expressed after our Brownsville Spring 2023 ceremony. If graduates still have concerns about a last-minute ceremony location change due to inclement weather, graduates may opt to RSVP for the Edinburg ceremony.