The University of Texas at El Paso will welcome back a new crop of students with a bevy of events to make the new academic year a success.
New and returning UTEP students will be greeted by Miner Welcome this fall semester with 23 straight days of student-driven events and celebrations. Miner Welcome is a long-running tradition that aims to foster a sense of belonging and pique students' curiosity about getting involved in campus culture.
"Miner Welcome is about more than a series of events – it’s about fostering meaningful connections among students and helping them feel at home at UTEP," said Vice President for Student Affairs Catie McCorry-Andalis. "When students experience a true sense of belonging, they are more likely to succeed both academically
and personally. These traditions help set the stage for a successful semester while reinforcing that every student is a valued member of the Miner family."
When is first day for UTEP students?
The first day of UTEP fall 2026 classes is Monday, Aug. 24.
When is UTEP's move-in day?
Miner Welcome begins with Move-In Day on Aug. 20 for those living in the University’s three on-campus residence halls and will end with the 35th annual Minerpalooza on Sept. 11.A highlight of Miner Welcome will take place on the first day of the fall semester. The 6th annual Texas Western Gold Rush is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 on Centennial Plaza. This will include a live concert, giveaways, fireworks and special guests.
When is Minerpalooza?
Minerpalooza, at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 on Centennial Plaza, serves as a capstone to this year’s Miner Welcome and is free and open to the public. The event will feature games and activities hosted by student organizations, as well as a live music lineup featuring Battle of the Bands contestants and other musical artists. Pete’s Playground, a dedicated kids’ area, will also be part of the experience, as well as food trucks and other vendors.
For those over the age of 21, there will be areas where wine and beer can be purchased.
BBQ and laser tag welcome back students
Here are other highlights from the first three weeks of the new semester:
- Friday, Aug. 21, Late Night at the Rec: Students, alumni and guests will have the opportunity to stay and play at the Student Recreation Center until midnight. Games such as laser tag, a neon pool party and extreme archery will begin at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 23, Welcome Back BBQ Bash: The Welcome Back BBQ Bash, hosted by Housing and Residence Life, is the largest fall event for campus housing residents, featuring free food, music and games to foster community and connection.
- Wednesday, Aug. 26, Pete’s Round-Up: Involvement Fairs: Students will kick off the fall semester by connecting with campus resources, organizations and other opportunities during Pete’s Round-Up, a two-day involvement fair designed to help students explore ways to engage and succeed at UTEP.
"The event provides new and returning students with the opportunity to discover campus programs, build connections and become more involved in the University community," the university said in a news release.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UTEP welcomes students with concerts, BBQ and Minerpalooza
