Graduation Celebration FAQs

Due to limited seating in the LBJ Grand Ballroom, we are unable to accommodate late registration. Summer 2025 graduates who are unable to attend the ceremony may pick up their free First Gen Proud stole July 29-30 from 9-4 daily in 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.

No, only students graduating this semester you are eligible to participate.

We will host a seperate graduation celebration every semester (spring, summer, or fall).  You may only participate in the semester in which you are officially graduating.

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! 

Due to limited spacing and fire code constraints, guests may only bring the amount of guests they were approved for.  Graduates will receive an email the week before the celebration confirming their guest ticket count.  Guests without a ticket will not be able to enter the Grand Ballroom due to fire code policies.

Yes, all guests must have a valid ticket that will be claimed at the check-in table.

All seats in the LBJ 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.

Tickets will be distributed the day of the event at the LBJ Ballroom.  Due to fire code constraints, guests without a ticket cannot be guaranteed a spot in the ballroom, and may not be permitted entrance based on attendance.

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

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

Check-in begins 50 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Ceremonies will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

The reception will include opportunities to connect with the Alumni Association, Career Services, and the Graduate College.  Photo opportunities will be arranged.

Come by for community, networking, and to 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 last close to one hour. There will be photo opportunities following the ceremony. 

If you are graduating this semester (undergraduate or graduate student), but cannot attend the celebration, you may do one of the following: 

• Pick up your First Gen Proud stole between July 29-30
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Commons Dining Hall, second floor, room 229 (First Gen Lounge)
• Have a proxy claim your stole on your behalf (proxy will need to know your name and TXST Student ID (A01234567)).

If you cannot attend the celebration, or claim your stole during the pick up 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 this semester are eligible to pick up a stole. Students graduating in another semester will receive communications regarding their stole distribution at a later time. 

 

We are unable to lend stoles out for graduation pictures. Please attend the May 3 event to receive your free stole, or pick up your stole between May 5-7th between 9am-4pm in Commons 229 (First Gen Lounge). 

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. 

Round Rock students who are unable to attend the event, can pick up their stoles in Avery Building, Room 201.

Round Rock Students should email the Student Services office at sucessrrc@txstate.edu if they have additional questions about the Round Rock event or stole distribution.

Please email us two weeks prior to the celebration at firstgen@txstate.edu if you or a guest is in need of accessible seating or other accommodations. 

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 two weeks 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 in the LBJ Grand Ballroom.

LBJ Student Center, Map Location