University Set for Record Spring Commencement
More Than 4,100 Students to Participate in Ceremonies Starting May 8

Formal commencement ceremonies will be held May 8-11 in the Activity Center. Spring 2018 graduates are invited to celebrate their accomplishments at Comets Take Flight at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center.
The University of Texas at Dallas’ Class of 2018 will be celebrated at spring commencement ceremonies May 8-11 at the Activity Center.
The ceremonies will accommodate the largest graduation cohort in UT Dallas history, including this spring’s class of 2,393 bachelor’s students, 2,090 master’s students and 107 doctoral candidates. More than 4,100 students are expected to participate in the various commencement ceremonies.
The week’s formal ceremonies begin Tuesday, May 8, with Honors Convocation and the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.
Honors Convocation recognizes undergraduate students earning Latin honors, major honors or Collegium V honors. At the hooding ceremony, faculty and students dress in traditional regalia. Candidates will take the stage and have doctoral hoods placed over their heads by their advisors, signifying completion of the doctoral program.
Four commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, May 9, will recognize the 1,943 students expected to earn degrees this spring from the Naveen Jindal School of Management. This marks the first semester for which the Jindal School’s ceremonies have been divided into four separate events.
On Thursday, 421 students are eligible for the ceremony for the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, while 1,078 may participate in the two events scheduled for the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.
For Friday’s ceremonies, the potential student totals are as follows: 190 for the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences; 167 for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies; 464 for the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences; 105 for the School of Arts and Humanities; and 237 for the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication.
After each commencement, family, friends and graduates are invited for refreshments, photo opportunities and giveaways at Memories on the Mall. The tradition honors the University’s newest alumni and gives graduates the opportunity to reflect on their experiences at UT Dallas.
Spring 2018 Commencement Speakers
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Megan Badejo, BS, healthcare studies, School of Interdisciplinary Studies |
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Esther Goldstein, BS, computer science, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science |
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Yashna Hemrajani, MS, information technology, Naveen Jindal School of Management |
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Mimi Newman, BA, visual and performing arts, School of Arts and Humanities |
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Aniket Patil, MS, mechanical engineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science |
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Matthew Salm, BS, mathematics, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics |
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Rebecca Tjahja, BS, finance, Naveen Jindal School of Management |
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Elaine Xueqi Wang, MS, management science, Naveen Jindal School of Management |
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Mabroor Wassey, MBA, MS, supply chain management, Naveen Jindal School of Management |
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Caitlyn Wenner, MS, communication disorders, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences |
Spring 2018 Commencement Schedule
All events will be held in the Activity Center.
Tuesday, May 8
10 a.m. Honors Convocation
New time: 2 p.m. Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
Wednesday, May 9
9 a.m. Naveen Jindal School of Management – Ceremony 1
11:30 a.m. Naveen Jindal School of Management – Ceremony 2
2 p.m. Naveen Jindal School of Management – Ceremony 3
4:30 p.m. Naveen Jindal School of Management – Ceremony 4
Thursday, May 10
9 a.m. School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
11:30 a.m. Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science – Ceremony 1
2 p.m. Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science – Ceremony 2
Friday, May 11
9 a.m. School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences; School of Interdisciplinary Studies
11:30 a.m. School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
2 p.m. School of Arts and Humanities; School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication
ParkingGuests are advised to arrive early. Parking (see map) will be available in designated lots and shuttles will be running. Accessible parking will be available in Lot J, which is closest to the Activity Center.
Spring 2018 Grad FactsOldest Graduate: 80
Youngest Graduates: 19 (six graduates)
Most popular majors:
Graduate: Information Technology and Management (440 anticipated degrees)BS: Computer Science (215 anticipated degrees)BA: Arts and Technology (165 anticipated degrees)A Glimpse of Your Commencement DayWant to know what commencement day will be like? Watch this first-person video.
Tag Your PicturesShare your glimpses of graduation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #UTDGrad. We will include the best Tweets, photos and sentiments in our graduation coverage on our #UTDGrad Tagboard.
Helpful LinksCeremony Instructions
Live Webcasts of Ceremonies
Commencement FAQ
Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].