Faqs

Due to limited seating in the LBJ Grand Ballroom, we are unable to accommodate late registration. Fall 2024 first-gen graduates may pick up their free First Gen Proud stole December 10-11 at Commons Dining Hall.

Participating in the the First-Gen Graduation Celebration does not mean that a candidate has completed the requirements for graduation.

Graduating (receiving a diploma) and participating (walking across the stage) in the First-Gen Graduation Celebration ceremony are two distinctly different things. Graduates will be considered graduated when they have officially met all of the following:

1. have applied for graduation online by the posted semester deadline
2. have had their application approved by their respective Advising Center or The Graduate College
3. have completed all degree requirements
4. have had final semester grades posted to their Texas State transcript
5. have paid any outstanding fees owed to the university
6. the Dean of the respective College, or Graduate College Dean, has certified them as graduated

Ultimately, the final awarding of degrees, honors, and mailing of the diplomas is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the appropriate requirements by each candidate and the Dean’s final certification.

Yes, if you are graduating this semester you are eligible to participate.

Students graduating in spring or summer will have their own celebration ceremony.

Yes.  This event is for first-generation undergraduates and graduate students.

No, regalia (cap and gown) are not required. We kindly request that you do not wear regalia (cap and gown). 

We ask that you do not wear regalia/robes. The attire is business casual. Wear what makes you feel confident and proud of accomplishing your degree goals! 

Those who have registered to participate may be bring up to 2 guests. Due to limited spacing and fire code constraints, we request that families stick to the 2 guest limit. 

Yes, all guests must have a valid ticket that can be picked up in advance by the graduate or held at the door.

All seats in the LBJ Grand Ballroom will be accounted for and a valid ticket features a unique bar code for each seat.  Upon entering, guests will present their ticket to the usher who will help you to your seats.

Children age 2 and under will be admitted with the understanding that they must sit in the lap of the guardian accompanying the infant and cannot take up their own seat.

November 18-22 upstairs in Commons Dining Hall

Yes, please bring your phone and a photo ID for check-in.

Please arrive between 9:10-9:50 to finalize check-in before the ceremony begins.  The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 so please remember to arrive early to complete check-in. 

Check-in begins at 9:15 AM and will end at 9:50 AM
Ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 AM

We'll have light refreshments following the ceremony. The reception will also include opportunities to connect with the Alumni Association, Career Services, and the Graduate College.

Come by for food, community, networking, and strike a pose with the fam. 

Allowed:

• Bags (purses, diaper bags, and camera bags)
• Handheld cameras
• Cellphones
• Flowers
• Service animals
• Small handheld signs

Prohibited:

• Alcohol
• Balloons or beach balls
• Banners or flags 
• Confetti or glitter
• Frisbees
• Glass or ceramic items
• Laser pointers
• Noisemakers
• Outside food or drink
• Tailgating
• Tobacco products and e-cigarettes
• Weapons

No, there is not a walk-through or rehearsal for this ceremony. 

The ceremony will likely take an hour and no longer than 90 minutes. There will be a light reception following the ceremony. 

If you are graduating in Fall 2024 (undergraduate or graduate student), but cannot attend the event on December 7, you may do one of the following: 

• Pick up your First Gen Proud stole from December 10-11
  • Time: 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 
  • Location: Commons Dining Hall, second floor
• Have a proxy pick up your stole from December 10-11 (proxy will need to know your name and TXST Student ID (A01234567)).

If you cannot attend the event on December 7 or pick up your stole during the December 10-11th window, then you may have a proxy (friend) pick up your stole for you. They will need to know your name and TXST Student ID (A01234567)

Only students graduating in Fall 2024 are eligible to pick up a stole. Spring 2024 graduates will receive communications regarding their stole distribution at a later time. 

 

At this time, we do not have any stoles to lend out for pictures. Please attend the August 2 event to receive your free stole or pick up your stole during July 30-31. 

The First Gen Proud Stole come with the First Gen Proud logo. Additional embroidery on stoles is not required. TXST and the University Bookstore do not offer embroidering services.

Many students contact area businesses to help with additional embroidery such as graduation years, degree, student organizations, and more.

Want to embroider your stole but don't know where to start? Head to the MakerSpace in Alkek One! They'll teach you the skills to create unique embroidery. The only cost to you is the cost of the material that you use, and there is never a charge for time. Book an embroidery session with the MakerSpace in Alkek One. 

Please email us prior to December 2, 2024 at firstgen@txstate.edu if you or a guest is in need of accessible seating or other accomodations. 

Guests who need other accommodations not specifically addressed above (this includes parking) should contact the Office of Disability Services.

It is recommended that graduates and guests with disabilities plan to arrive 1–1.5 hours prior to the ceremony start time.

Graduates with disabilities are asked to identify their need and contact firstgen@txstate.edu at least a week prior to the event.

Since parking lots off campus may be private, guests are asked to observe all signs to avoid having their vehicles towed.

LBJ Pay-to-Park Garage at 704 Gaillardia St.

Edward Gary Garage located on the Northwest side of Edward Gary St. & University Drive.

Fees are as follows: 1-2 hrs $6, 2-3 hrs $8, 3-4 hrs $10, 4-5 hrs $12, and 5-6 hrs $14.  

From IH-35 North (Austin): Get on I-35 South until you reach exit 206 to Aquarena Springs Drive, take the exit, and continue straight on Aquarena Springs Drive, staying in the left two lanes to go over the bride. Proceed straight onto University Drive at the Sessom Drive intersection. Keep right onto University Drive, and the Edward Gary Street Garage will be on your right, turn right on N LBJ Drive for entrance.  

From IH-35 South (San Antonio): Travel North on I-35 until you reach exit 204 toward Seguin, SH-82 Loop West, turn Left at the stoplight, onto SH-123 W, continue onto S Guadalupe St., turn Right onto E. Grove St., turn Left onto S. LBJ Drive. Continue on S. LBJ Drive until you reach your destination on your right.  

The closest parking garage will be the Matthews Street Garage, located past the LBJ Student Center on Student Center Dr. See driving & walking instructions above. Students must have a valid parking permit with the university.  

The First-Generation Graduation Celebration ceremony will take place on December 7, in the LBJ Grand Ballroom.

LBJ Student Center, Map Location