Graduation and Commencement

• Students who chose not to have their name disclosed in commencement materials cannot participate in Commencement.
• Students who do not specify their preference regarding the disclosure of their information in commencement press releases and materials will have their information disclosed by default.
• If you require transportation accommodations to the Commencement site, please include this information when submitting your Quest registration.

• Celebrate Your Graduate with a Custom Banner!

  Show your pride and support for your graduate with a personalized congratulations banner! These custom banners will be displayed along the drive into the arena, creating a memorable and festive entrance for commencement. Family and friends can honor their graduate with a special message and make their achievement even more unforgettable. Click here for more details and to purchase. 

  The deadline to order a banner is May 1. For more details or to place an order, please contact Sandi Lucero at Sandi.Lucero@nmt.edu.

• If you're graduating in May or finished courses in December 2025, submit the "Petition to Graduate" form by March 2, 2026. No exceptions. Use the link below to complete it.
• If we do not receive your "Intent to Walk" form by March 2, 2025, you will not be allowed to participate in commencement. No exceptions.

• Instructions for Graduates
• Graduating Student Satisfaction Survey
• Rodeo Arena Site Map

Petition to Graduate / Not Walk & Graduation Payment Submission

All students must complete one of the following options to submit proof of graduation payment. The graduation fee is required for all students, regardless of participation in Commencement. Payment is due at the time of submission.

• Petition to Graduate (available from January 1st – March 2, 2026)
• Not Walking in Commencement Form

Important Notes:

• Students who opt not to have their name disclosed in commencement materials will not be allowed to participate in Commencement.
• Petition to Graduation must be submitted by March 2, 2026, by 5 pm. After this deadline, students will not be permitted to participate in Commencement. No exceptions will be made.
• The graduation fee is mandatory for all students, even those not participating in Commencement. Participation in Commencement itself has no additional cost.
• Graduation payments must be submitted with an Intent to Graduate form. Graduation payments without a completed Intent to Walk form will not guarantee participation in Commencement.

Commencement 2026: Instructions for Graduates

Please carefully read these instructions to prepare for the ceremony. There will be no rehearsal for commencement.

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 7:30 AM

• Arrival: Report to the west side of the Rodeo Arena for lineup. Wear your cap and gown.
• PhD Candidates: You are responsible for your hood. During the processional, wear it over your arm. Once on stage, hand it to your hooder. If you need access to a steamer, contact commencement@nmt.edu before Saturday.
• Check-In: Stop by the student check-in table to receive your tassel. Wear your tassel on the right side of your cap.
• Degree Lineup: Find the canopy for your degree and major. Report here for lineup and stay in line until the ceremony begins. Marshalls will assist you.

9:30 AM – Processional

• Students, faculty, and the platform party will march in, in that order. Marshalls will direct you.
• Upon reaching your seat, remain standing until all graduates have marched in. The President will then invite you to sit.

Walking Across the Stage

• Your class (associate, bachelor, master, PhD) will stand as a group.
• Your Marshall will lead your line to the right side of the stage.
• When your name is called, go up the steps on the right side of the stage. You will receive your diploma cover and stop for a photo. Please avoid physical contact.
• A picture will be taken as you pose with the President—be sure to smile!
• Board of Regents members will be present to offer congratulations. Please avoid physical contact.
• PhD Candidates: Your advisor will hood you after your photo with the President.
• Walk down the steps on the left side of the stage and return to your seat. Marshalls will assist if you're the first in line.

Recessional

• At the end of the ceremony, the President will invite graduates to stand for the recessional. The platform party will leave first, followed by the faculty and then the graduates. Marshalls will direct you.
• Proceed through the receiving line to receive congratulations from your professors.
• A social gathering will follow at the City of Socorro Rodeo & Sports Complex.

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Photographs

• Your cap and gown are yours to keep.
• A professional photographer will be available for photos before and after the ceremony.
• A photo booth will also be set up.
• Food trucks will be on-site before and after the ceremony. Each graduating student will receive $15 to spend at the trucks.
• Alumni Relations will have a booth selling alumni gear.

Diplomas and Diploma Covers

• Summer/Fall Graduates: Diplomas will be mailed within 45-60 days after degree completion and will arrive in a protective cardboard cover.
• May Graduates: Diplomas will be mailed in June, and you can keep your diploma cover until your diploma arrives.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Commencement Committee via email at commencement@nmt.edu.

 

Cap & Gown Purchase and Graduation Participation Instructions

This year, the NMT Bookstore will handle all cap and gown needs for the Spring 2026 graduation ceremony. Starting March 24th, visit the Bookstore website at www.nmtechbookstore.com to view available regalia options and make your purchase.

Please note, the cost of regalia is not included in the graduation fee. The graduation fee, which has remained the same for over a decade, covers costs such as diploma printing and other graduation-related expenses. This fee applies to all graduating students, whether or not they purchase regalia. While NMT has traditionally absorbed the cost of regalia, rising graduation numbers and budget constraints make it impossible to continue this practice.

Graduation Announcements
Graduation announcements can be ordered at your discretion. You may purchase them in person at the NMT Bookstore or online at www.nmtechbookstore.com.

2026 Spring completion Conferral List:

2025 Fall Completion Conferral List:

2025 Summer Completion Conferral List:

 

Commencement 2026: TBA

Commencement 2026: TBA

If we do not receive your Intent to Walk Form by April 18th, you will not be added to the walking list and will not be permitted to participate in commencement. No exceptions will be made.

Arrival Time: 7:30 a.m. (Check-in by 8:45 a.m.)
Location: West side of Rodeo Arena.
What to Bring: Cap, gown, and Ph.D. candidates, your hood.

Processional & Stage Instructions:

• Line up by degree and major under the canopies.
• Wear your tassel on the right side of your cap.
• Follow the Marshalls for the processional and recessional.
• Photos will be taken on stage; please refrain from physical contact.

Post-Ceremony:

• Reception at the City of Socorro Rodeo & Sports Complex.
• Food trucks available with a $15 credit per graduate.

Please limit program requests to one per person. If you need more, you can order up to five programs using the order form.

Students who chose not to have their name disclosed in commencement materials will not be able to participate.

If you don't specify your preference on the Intent to Graduate form, your information will be disclosed by default.

Guest Information

• Guest Registration: Will be included in your GradPak. 

• ADA Accommodations: If your guests need accomodations and you did not register them ahead of time email commencement@nmt.edu for assistance.

• Guest Conduct:

  • No standing or blocking seated guests' views.
  • Non-graduates and children must sit or stand in designated areas. Arena floor is reserved for graduates and faculty only.
  • Ensure guests follow these rules.
  • No pets allowed. ADA service animals welcome.
  • No standing in box seats or areas between box seats and stadium seating.

• Seating: Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bleacher and chair seating will be provided, but guests may also bring folding chairs.

• ADA Seating: Reserved seating for individuals with disabilities and one companion. Complete the seat reservation form for this accommodation.

Commencement Etiquette:

• Be seated 15 minutes prior to the 10 AM start.
• Non-graduates (e.g., parents, children) must not sit or stand in graduate seating.
• Please be courteous and avoid blocking views or taking photos directly in front of the stage.