Pomp and circumstance will be the order of the day on May 13 and 14, when UT Dallas plans to honor 2,155 graduates at spring commencement ceremonies.

Commencement Schedule

The schedule of commencment events at the UT Dallas Activity Center is as follows:

Friday, May 13, 2011

10 a.m. Honors Convocation
1 p.m. Management Undergraduates
4 p.m. Management Graduates
Saturday, May 14, 2011
9 a.m. Arts and Humanities
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
12 p.m. Engineering and Computer Science
  Interdisciplinary Studies
3 p.m. Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

The ceremonies – five in all – will take place in the University’s Activity Center. The ceremonies on Friday are scheduled for 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday’s begin at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The 2011 graduates witnessed major changes on the UT Dallas campus, including the openings of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory (NSERL), the University’s first Residence Hall, the Student Services Building and the Science Learning Center. The Spirit Rocks were installed and the official Fight Song was adopted, as Comet spirit continued to grow among students.

“This year’s graduating class has seen the transformation of UT Dallas,” said Dr. Sheila Amin Gutiérrez de Piñeres, dean of undergraduate education. “They did not just endure the construction but led the change. During their four years, the campus has gone from sterile to stunning.”        

In keeping with UT Dallas tradition, five students have been chosen as commencement speakers. In order of their appearance, the speakers, degrees and schools are:

UT Dallas President David E. Daniel also will address the graduates, their families, friends and supporters.

Memories on the Mall, located on the University’s renovated main concourse, will have an expanded presence at Spring Commencement. When each ceremony concludes, graduates and their families are encouraged to make their way to the mall via Chess Plaza. Each of the seven schools will greet graduates following their respective ceremonies, where they can take advantage of photo opportunities, receive a special gift and collect their Comet alumni benefits cards.

“This new tradition welcomes graduates into the alumni community right after they receive their diplomas,” said Erin Dougherty, director of alumni relations. “Memories on the Mall highlights this major accomplishment in their lives in a picturesque, familiar setting.”

Among those expected to receive degrees are 989 graduate and PhD students and 1,166 undergraduate candidates.

Those unable to attend the ceremonies can watch a live video stream of the proceedings online.