Zika Virus Guidance for Brownsville Commencement Ceremonies

The city of Brownsville is designated a Zika cautionary area by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although the specific level of risk in cautionary areas is unknown, there is still a risk to pregnant women. Further guidance for pregnant women regarding travel, prevention, testing and diagnosis, and pregnancy planning can be found here.

The CDC also recommends that all Brownsville residents and visitors take the proper precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites. Those prevention guidelines can be found here.

All university events and functions will continue to operate as usual, and the university strongly advises the campus community to adhere to CDC guidelines.

  • Will Commencement still take place in Brownsville?

    Yes. Commencement will take place as scheduled in Brownsville.

  • Is there an alternative for guests who do not want to be outdoors?

    Yes. An overflow room will be available in the PlainsCapital Bank Gran Salon on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors to the overflow room, where the event will be live-streamed, will open at 6 p.m.

  • Is there an alternative for graduates who do not want to participate in the Brownsville ceremony?

    Yes. You can participate in a ceremony at the McAllen Convention Center, but tickets for guests are no longer available. An overflow room at the convention center will be available for non-ticketed guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors to the overflow room, where the ceremony will be live-streamed, will open an hour before the scheduled start of each ceremony.

  • How do I switch to a ceremony in McAllen?

    Email graduation@utrgv.edu as soon as possible. The Office of the Registrar will make every effort to be prepared for you at the McAllen Convention Center. However, for a smoother transition, submit your request by 9 a.m. on Friday, May 5th.

  • May I choose which of the three McAllen ceremonies I can participate in?

    No. Ceremonies at the McAllen Convention Center take place according to colleges. You can see the time your college is scheduled to graduate by visiting this page: http://www.utrgv.edu/commencement/graduate-information/index.htm

  • What other information is available for my family and I to review to help us make a decision?

    UTRGV is working with Brownsville officials to take additional precautionary measures, including spraying the commencement area for mosquitos. The CDC recommends that all Brownsville residents and visitors take the proper precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites. Prevention guidelines can be found here.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement that can be read online: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s1214-brownsville-texas-zika-guidance.html. Local news outlets have posted articles as well.