Senior Traditions
Senior Traditions at Mines
Mines strives to provide the most unique student experience through our longstanding traditions and one-of-a-kind events. Our senior offerings span from professional development opportunities to social engagements. Check out our Helluva Senior Sendoff information below to learn more about all the “must-dos” before you graduate!
The mission of the Senior Traditions and Networking Team (Senior TNT), an all-senior student committee housed within the SAIL Office, is to enrich the Mines senior student experience by enhancing senior traditions and events, coordinating Helluva Senior Sendoff, and connecting seniors to university opportunities that prepare students for life after graduation.
Student Representatives:
- Charles O’Donnell, Lead
- Emmalea Yunk, Marketing Chair
- Brendan Clinton, Mines Traditions Chair
- Connor Dunfee, Professional Development & Alumni Chair
- Prince Owusu-Ansah, Social Chair
- Trevor Tong, Alumni Advisor
Spring 2026 Events:
Blue Key Honors Society's Reverse M-Climb
Spring 2026 Commencement Information
Undergraduate Commencement
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 9 a.m., 1 p.m.
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 9 a.m., 1 p.m.
Doors open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony
Tickets required (graduates claim tickets on Tassel in March)
Lockridge Arena, inside the Student Recreation Center
Live webcast will be available on the Mines YouTube channel
Each undergraduate ceremony should last about two hours.
Ceremonies are split by department, click here to see which day your department is scheduled.
**Please note – Department ceremony times, will be announced by the end of February**
Graduate Commencement
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 5 p.m.
Doors open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony
Tickets required (graduates claim tickets on Tassel in March)
Lockridge Arena, inside the Student Recreation Center
Live webcast will be available on the Mines YouTube Channel
The graduate ceremony should last about two hours.
Tracking Your Senior Experience
Do Not Miss Out
Our save the date icon is used to help you stay in the know of all senior specific happenings thoughout your senior year.
On and Off Campus Offerings
We strive to connect students to senior offerings both on and off campus to help them celebrate their final year at Mines.
Your Official Farewell
This icon indicates the must dos before you graduate. This includes events like Senior BBQ, reverse M-climb, and hat branding.
Helluva Senior Sendoff
Take part of our unqiue offferings.
Senior BBQ
Join the Undergraduate Student Government and Senior TNT for the biannual Senior BBQ. This event is a great way to celebrate with your class as you prepare to say farewell to your last year (or days) at Mines. The Senior BBQ is typically hosted in early October in the fall and review day in the spring.
Seniors can find more information on the Fall Senior BBQ on our OreConnect Page.
Order of the Engineer
The Order of the Engineer is an international honorary engineering society that was first formed in the U.S. in 1970. Membership in the Order represents a solemn obligation to oneself to uphold devotion to the standards and the dignity of the engineering profession.
All upcoming graduates are invited to join the Order to become a part of this prestigious community.
Hat Branding & Bell Ringing
The Mines Hat symbolizes Mines pride and a unique way to honor graduating students. This tradition, which began with the university’s 150th anniversary, honors new graduates with the spirit of the past by evoking memories of the Senior Stetson worn by graduates through the 1970s. It represents a new era for Mines graduates. Hats off to Mines graduates!
Learn more about the Mines Hat and how to receive yours when you graduate.
Reverse M Climb
Join your peers as you head back up to the scenic M on Mt. Zion to retrieve the symbol of your first adventure here at Mines, the M Climb. Take pictures, reminisce, and enjoy the view!
Blue Key is the responsible organization for the coordination of the Reverse M Climb. The Reverse M climb usually takes place the week of commencement.
Undergraduate Commencement
The Senior Traditions and Networking team is dedicated to making the Mines undergraduate commencement experience unlike any other graduation.
Watch for notifications and updates to stay informed about the experience!
