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University Administration Institutional Inclusive Excellence - Student Initiatives
Texas State University Administration Institutional Inclusive Excellence - Student Initiatives Programs and Resources Graduation Celebrations

Graduation Celebrations

The SDI Office provides three cultural graduation celebrations which highlight the academic accomplishments of students by allowing them an opportunity to celebrate amongst their family, friends and supporters.  These celebrations do not replace the official commencement ceremonies, but add a special touch to the official ceremonies.   For more information, click on the commonly asked questions below.

Veterans Graduation Reception

Veterans Graduation Reception 

This graduation reception recognizes the academic achievements and contributions of student Veterans at Texas State.  This program is sponsored by  the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and  Veterans Alliance of Texas State.
 
More information:
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  • Students who have applied and registered for graduation, and have served in a U.S. military branch.

    Graduates are encouraged to invite family and close friends to attend. Please be accurate as possible with number of guests including self when submitting registration. Texas State faculty and staff that work directly with student veterans are encouraged to attend.

  • The program will include a recognition of graduating veterans, presentation of Red, White and Blue graduation cords to graduating veterans to be worn at Commencement, VATS Awards and dinner for all guests.

    Graduates are highly encouraged to wear their official Texas State regalia (cap and gown) as the program begins with a processional. 

  • There is no cost associated with participating in this graduation reception. We simply ask that graduates register prior to participation with an accurate number of guests including self.

Lavender Graduation Celebration

Lavender Graduation Celebration

This is a cultural celebration that recognizes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexed, Agender, Aromantic, Asexual and Ally (LGBTQIA+) students by recognizing their achievements and contributions at Texas State. This program is partially sponsored by the  Office of Vice President for Student Affairs,  the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and Alliance of Texas State.
 
More information: 

  • Students who have applied and registered for graduation, and identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexed, Agender, Aromantic, Asexual, and Ally are welcomed to participate.  Registration is required for all students who plan on participating as graduates.

    Graduates are encouraged to invite family and close friends to participate.  Please be accurate as possible with number of guest including self when submitting registration.

    Official Texas State Allies including faculty and staff are also welcomed attend.

  • Graduates are highly encouraged to wear their official Texas State regalia (cap and gown) as the program begins with a processional.  

    During the celebration, graduates, family and friends are welcomed and provided with a musical performance piece that honors graduates.  The program also includes a keynote addresses provided by a Texas State student, faculty or staff member.  The program concludes with graduates and their family being individually recognized as the graduates recieve a personalized certificate of completion, a Lavender sash and Ally of Texas State pin.

    Food and refreshments will be provided prior to start of program.

  • There is no financial cost associated with participating in this cultural celebration. We simply ask that graduates register prior to participation with an accurate number of guests including self.

Multicultural Graduation Celebration

Multicultural Graduation Celebration 

This graduation celebration recognizes the academic achievements of and contributions to Texas State of/by underrepresented students at Texas State. This program is partially sponsored by the Office of Vice President for Student Affairs, the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, Coalition of Black Faculty and Staff and Hispanic Policy Network.
 
More information:

  • Any Texas State students that embraces multiculturalism and diversity, and that has applied and registered for graduation can participate. 

    Registration is required prior to participation. 

    Graduates are encouraged to invite family and close friends to participate.  Please be accurate as possible with number of guest including self when submitting registration.

  • Graduates are highly encouraged to wear their official Texas State regalia (cap and gown) as the program begins with a processional.  During the celebration, participants recieve a welcome in multiple languages including, but not limited to, English, Spanish and Chinese by faculty and staff members.  Following welcomes by faculty and staff, participants can expect to view several cultural performances that honor our graduates.  The program also includes two (2) keynote addresses provided by Texas State student leaders about their unique experiences at Texas State.  The program concludes with graduates and their family being individually recognized as the graduates recieve a certificate of completion and a cultural sash. 

    Food and refreshments will be provided during a reception following the Multicultural Graduation.

  • There is no cost associated with participating in this cultural celebration. We simply ask that graduates register prior to participation with an accurate number of guests.