2023 School of Medicine Commencement
When and where will the 2023 School of Medicine Commencement take place?
Saturday, May 13, 2023
5:00-7:00 P.M.
UTRGV Performing Arts Complex A
1201 West University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539
Where can graduates and guests park?
Please reference this map for parking instructions.
What will my 2023 School of Medicine Commencement ceremony look like?
- Graduates will have a processional into the ceremony and will be directed to sit in the graduate seating area in alphabetical order by last name.
- The ceremony Order of Exercise will begin.
- UTRGV Leadership and our invited Keynote Speaker will make remarks.
- 2023 School of Medicine graduates will be guided to the right side of the stage where they will show their GradPass QR code to the UTRGV School of Medicine staff.
Presentation of Graduates On Stage
- Graduate’s name will be called, and graduate will walk on stage.
- Graduate will be hooded (photograph #1).
- Graduate will be handed their diploma (photograph #2)
- Graduate will exit the stage.
- Graduate will be photographed off-stage (photograph #3).
- Graduate will return to their seat.
- Graduates will have a formal recessional and exit the ceremony.
- Graduates can join their family and friends outside.
Will there be a processional and recessional as part of the 2023 School of Medicine Commencement?
Yes, the 2023 School of Medicine graduates will experience a processional and recessional.
Will seating be assigned for 2023 School of Medicine graduates?
The 2023 School of Medicine graduates will be seated in alphabetical order by last name.
Will there be a photographer at the 2023 School of Medicine Commencement, and will graduates be able to buy their Commencement photos?
GradImages® is proud to be the official commencement photographer for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley! Finding your photos after the event is easy. You will receive your free photo proofs via email 7 to 14 business days after the event, or you can search for your images on www.gradimages.com.
Questions? Please contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Will Commencement regalia be required for the event?
Yes, all graduating students must wear full regalia to participate in SOM Commencement.
- The deadline to order regalia was Thursday, March 23, 2023. For questions or last-minute changes, call Jostens directly at (800) 854-7464.
- If students ordered their regalia by January 31, 2023, then your rental regalia will be ready for pick-up at the Edinburg Campus Store on Thursday, March 9th.
- If students ordered their regalia after January 31st, but by March 23, 2023, rental regalia pick-up will begin at the Edinburg Campus Store on Monday, May 8th.
- Graduating students are responsible for covering the cost of renting their regalia. Payment is not due until the regalia is picked up. Cost is $109.00 plus tax.
- If a graduating student would like to keep the rented regalia past Monday, May 15, the graduating student may purchase to keep the regalia (approximately $700).
- Please plan to return the rented regalia on site at the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13 or no later than Monday, May 15 at the Edinburg Campus Store.
- For questions about pick-up, payment or returns, contact UTRGV Campus Store in Edinburg:
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- Edinburg = Email: 1618mgr@follett.com Phone: (956) 665-2252
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How should regalia be worn?
Please review the video link on: How-To Wear Your Graduation Regalia
Will the 2023 School of Medicine Commencement be streamed live?
Yes. Guests unable to attend the in-person ceremony may view the ceremony at utrgv.edu/SOMgrad.
Will seating accommodations be provided if needed for our guests?
Yes. Graduates may request accommodations by emailing SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu.
Would SOM Commencement be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather?
UTRGV consults with local weather experts to monitor forecasts during the days leading up to the commencement ceremony. In the event of any changes to ceremonies, notifications will be sent via campus email and social media 24 to 48 hours prior to allow students to plan accordingly.
Who can a 2023 School of Medicine graduate contact for questions or comments?
If you have questions or concerns, please visit UTRGV.edu/SOMgrad or email SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu.
RSVP Process & Tickets
Do I have to RSVP for SOM commencement?
Yes. The 2023 School of Medicine graduates must RSVP by Monday, April 10, 2023 – 5:00 P.M. CST via Marching Orders.
How do I RSVP for commencement?
The 2023 School of Medicine graduates should have received an email from SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu with the subject line: 2023 School of Medicine Commencement – RSVP & Create Your Slide! This email will provide instructions on how to create a graduating student profile via Marching Order, which is the first step that must be completed in order to be able to RSVP.
Graduating students must RSVP and “claim their tickets”, or in other words, indicate how many guest tickets they need (up to 16 tickets per graduate - 15 guest tickets) via Marching Order by Monday, April 10 – 5:00 P.M. CST.
May I change my RSVP answer after it has been submitted?
Yes, you may change your answer through Monday, April 10, 2023 – 5:00 P.M. CST. After this date, 2023 School of Medicine graduates will not be able to modify their RSVP and update their photo, grad message, and where they matched (listing your match location is optional).
How many guest tickets will a 2023 School of Medicine graduate be allotted?
Each 2023 School of Medicine graduate will be allowed to have up to 15 guests. Guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where can 2023 School of Medicine graduates pick up tickets?
Tickets will be distributed electronically upon a graduate’s RSVP through the Marching Order portal. Once the number of tickets is claimed, graduating students will be able to print or email tickets to their guests. Each guest ticket has a designated unique QR code to identify them upon arrival at the ceremony. Guest seating will not be assigned.
Do my children under 10 years old need a ticket?
Yes. All guests from 0 years and up must have an electronic ticket to enter the ceremony.
Will any additional tickets become available?
If you would like to request any additional tickets, please email SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu. If we determine additional tickets can be distributed, we will inform you at a later date. There is no guarantee that additional tickets will be distributed or that we will match the number of additional tickets you are requesting.
Grad Slide & Message
If I do not attend the ceremony in person, will my slide still be displayed, and name announced?
If you choose to not attend in-person, you may enjoy the ceremony via live stream at UTRGV.edu/SOMgrad. Your name will not be announced at the live ceremony.
However, you will be able to access your graduate slide at your convenience at: https://virtualgrad.marchingorder.com/utrgv/678/xi
How do I log in to upload my photo and message?
Students will receive an email from SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu with this subject line: 2023 School of Medicine Commencement – RSVP & Create Your Slide! This email will provide instructions regarding how to create a profile with our partner, Marching Order. For questions regarding your slide, please send an email to SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu.
Are there any restrictions on the type of picture or message a graduate can submit?
UTRGV reserves the right to exercise discretion in rejecting graduate pictures or messages that fall under any of the following categories:
- Trademarked or branded material
- Containing personal contact information
- Soliciting services for a personal or business venture
- Promoting sponsorship or affiliation with a political, religious, or social organization
- Containing references to alcohol
- Containing references to guns or weapons
- Demonstrating illegal behavior, such as illegal drug consumption
- Obscene or lewd nature
- Memes or photos with social media filters
What information will be included on my personal commencement slide?
Your personal slide will include your photo, personal message, full name, Doctor of Medicine, and where you matched (however, match information is optional). If the graduating student does not submit a photo, personal message, and residency match information by Monday, April 10, 2023 – 5:00 P.M. CST, only their name and Doctor of Medicine will be displayed on the screen.
Messages are limited to 200 characters including spaces.
Sample Slide:
Do I need to wear a cap and gown for the photo I will be uploading for the ceremony?
Wearing a cap and gown along with any other regalia is encouraged for the photo, but it is optional.
If I do not want to upload a picture of myself, can I upload a picture of my pet, a family member or some other image like a team logo, animated character or performing artist?
No. Only pictures of you and/or your family will be accepted. Uploading a picture is optional. If your photo and/or message fall under one of the restriction categories (See FAQ question “Are there any restrictions on the types of pictures or message a graduate can submit?), only your name and degree information will be displayed.
By submitting a photo with other individuals to the Marching Order website, you are acknowledging that you have permission to use the image, including expressed consent by any party shown in the image, other than yourself.
Will someone be reviewing the message I upload?
Yes. All messages uploaded will be monitored. Any message that is profane, vulgar, violent, political, or offensive to any one individual or group of people will be rejected. If your photo and/or message fall under one of the restriction categories (See FAQ question “Are there any restrictions on the types of picture or message a graduate can submit?), only your name and degree information will be displayed.
Can I change my message after I submit it if I change my mind?
Yes. You will be able to replace, change or edit your message once submitted – but only until the submission deadline of Monday, April 10, 2023 – 5:00 P.M. CST. Please plan ahead and make sure you’re satisfied with the words you choose.
How can I get a copy of my slide?
On the day of your ceremony, you will have the opportunity to share or download your slide directly from the SOM Commencement page. Your individual graduate slide will include a link that allows you to download or share to Facebook or Twitter. You may also take a screenshot of your slide. All graduation slides will remain available for sharing or download for a year after your commencement.
For questions regarding your slide, please send an email to SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu.
Will my name be displayed on the 2023 Commencement program?
Yes, 2023 School of Medicine graduate names and hometowns will be displayed in the 2023 School of Medicine Commencement program that will be available at UTRGV.edu/SOMgrad.
Will the commencement program be printed?
No, the commencement program will be available online at UTRGV.edu/SOMgrad 3 to 5 business days prior to the Commencement ceremony. However, a pdf of the program will be on the website, so you can download and print yourself.
Who do I contact if my photo/message information on the Marching Order portal is incorrect?
Please email SOMCommencement@UTRGV.edu by Monday, April 10, 2023 – 5:00 P.M. CST with details about your concern.
Faculty Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the 2023 School of Medicine Commencement take place?
Saturday, May 13, 2023
5:00-7:00 P.M.
UTRGV Performing Arts Complex A
1201 West University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539
Where can faculty and guests park?
Please reference this map for parking instructions.
Are faculty required to RSVP to attend Commencement?
Yes, we ask faculty to please RSVP using the RSVP link provided in the invitation sent via email by Friday, April 28, 2023 to ensure we allocate enough seating for faculty in attendance.
Will seating be assigned for faculty and their guests at SOM Commencement?
Yes, faculty will have a designated section at the SOM Commencement. Instructions will be provided at the event.
Will Commencement regalia be required for the event?
Yes, all faculty participating in commencement must wear full regalia to participate in the ceremony.
How do faculty pick up rented regalia for Commencement?
Faculty who ordered regalia by Thursday, March 23, 2023, will be able to pick up and pay for rented regalia by Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Edinburg Campus Store. Payment is required at pick-up. Cost is $109.00 plus tax.
Please plan to return the rented regalia on site at the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13 or no later than Monday, May 15 at the Edinburg Campus Store. If faculty would like to keep the rented regalia past Monday, May 15, faculty may purchase to keep the regalia (approximately $700).
For questions or last-minute changes, call Jostens directly at (800) 854-7464.
For questions related to pick up, payment, and returns of regalia, contact the UTRGV Campus Store in Edinburg at 1618mgr@follett.com or (956) 665-2252.
Please reference FAQs at the top of the page for additional questions pertaining to SOM Commencement.
For other Commencement questions, contact the SOM Faculty Affairs at somfacultyaffairs@UTRGV.edu.
School of Medicine Dean
Michael B. Hocker, M.D., M.H.S.
Dean, UTRGV School of Medicine
Senior Vice President, UT Health RGV
2023 Keynote Speaker
Julieta Villarreal García, Ph.D.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient; Professor, UTRGV Department of Communication; Former President, The University of Texas at Brownsville
