Our Mission

At Mean Green Gowns for Grads, we support the academic accomplishments of low-income and first-generation University of North Texas students by providing free rentals of graduation regalia. Graduation is a significant milestone in students' lives. We strive to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their ability to participate in this important celebration.          

We are proud to promote environmental responsibility and social consciousness with our gown rental program. Traditional graduation gowns are generally made of polyester, a petroleum-based fabric that does not biodegrade. These keepsake gowns are typically only worn once and then thrown away. Constructed with the same chemical compound used to make plastic water bottles, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester gowns do not fully decompose in landfills. Research shows that it takes 450 years for items made with PET to break down in landfills (LeBlanc, 2019). By offering free graduation caps and gowns to our students, we celebrate their academic achievements in an inclusive and sustainable way.

The Mean Green Gowns for Grads program began with a generous donation of nearly one hundred gowns and has steadily expanded over time. We are grateful to UNT alumni Erin and Kyle Hogue for their gracious donation, which allowed us to establish a dedicated space for the gowns.

Funding plays a vital role in sustaining our program and ensuring its success. The We Mean Green Fund (WMGF) plays a crucial role in this initiative. In 2021, they generously granted us $11,000, fund that allowed for the launch and continuation of this project. We were grateful to receive an additional $8,000 from the WMGF in 2022. This funding has been instrumental in allowing us to expand our efforts, procure additional regalia, and facilitate professional wet cleaning—a sustainable, carbon-neutral alternative to conventional dry-cleaning methods.

We accept donations of gently used UNT caps and gowns, including the green gowns adopted by UNT in 2015, as well as gowns from masters and doctoral programs. Together, we can ensure that every student can walk across the stage and celebrate their hard-earned academic success.

LeBlanc, R. (2019, October 29). The decomposition of waste in landfills. The Balance Small Business.https://www.liveabout.com/how-long-does-it-take-garbage-to-decompose-2878033

Application Process

Mean Green Gowns for Grads supports first-generation college students, DACA students, and low-income students at the University of North Texas. If you fall under any of these categories, you are eligible to apply for this program. Our goal is to ease some of the financial hardships associated with graduation and promote sustainable practices by reusing donated gowns. We strive to ensure that all eligible students can participate in the celebration of this significant academic achievement.

Applications for Fall 2024 are now closed. Below are the important dates for Spring 2025 Graduation:

Applications Open: February 21st, 2025

Applications Close: March 21st, 2025

Acceptances Sent: March 31st, 2025

Please note, by submitting an application you are not guaranteed a gown from our program. DESRC staff will reach out to applicants once applications have closed with their status. Gowns are provided based on need, not first come first served basis.

• Complete the application form with the necessary information and required details.
• The Diamond Eagles Student Resource Center will process your application and assess your eligibility.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive information on how to borrow your graduation caps and gowns free of cost from the Diamond Eagles Student Resource Center.
• As part of our sustainability efforts, graduates who do not participate in the program will have the option to donate their used gowns after their graduation ceremony, contributing to the reuse effort and ensuring no one is left behind.

Mean Green Gowns for Grads not only provides financial assistance but also promotes environmental responsibility by extending the life of caps and gowns through reuse. The program is made possible with the generous support of UNT alumni, monetary donations, and contributions from the We Mean Green Fund. By participating in this program, you not only celebrate your academic achievements but also become part of a more inclusive and sustainable future.

If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding the application process or the Mean Green Gowns for Grads program, feel free to contact the Diamond Eagles Student Resource Center at desresources@unt.edu or call 940-565-4587.

Donations & Support

Graduation is a significant milestone in the lives of many students, marking the culmination of their academic journey. However, not all students can afford the expenses associated with regalia. To address these financial inequities and ensure that every student celebrates their academic  accomplishments, the Division of Student Affairs at the University of North Texas (UNT) launched the Mean Green Gowns for Grads program.

Mean Green Gowns for Grads is a thoughtful initiative aimed at supporting low-income and first-generation UNT students by providing them with a free rental of graduation caps and gowns. The program also extends its impact beyond financial assistance, embracing sustainability by reducing waste through the reuse of caps and gowns. By participating in Mean Green Gowns for Grads, eligible graduates not only receive support for their graduation but also contribute to a greener and more environmentally responsible commencement.

How You Can Help: 
Donate Your Gown If you are a UNT alum, you can make a meaningful impact by donating your green UNT graduation regalia. Your gown will be lent to current students who may not have the means to acquire one, ensuring that they get to experience the joy of walking across the stage and celebrating their academic achievements.  

Donate your gown at the following locations:
Crumley Hall - Diamond Eagles Student Resource Center  
1621 W. Highland St. 
Denton, TX 76201 

Mailed to:
Mean Green Gowns for Grads
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle #305008
Denton Texas 76203-5017

If you do not have a gown but would like to contribute to this program,  you can give online through UNT Advancement here by writing in 'Mean Green Gowns for Grads' with the 'other' option on the drop down. Monetary donations help us purchase a variety of foods that have not been donated as well as help us purchase items for holiday meal kits.! Below is a breakdown of what your contribution would provide to students. (Note: your contribution will supply whatever is most needed at the time of donation and does not guarantee to purchase a specific item below.)

$11 cleans one gown using environmentally conscious practices 

$52.50 is the equivalent of one bachelor's package 

$120.50 is the equivalent of one master's package 

$171.50 is the equivalent one MFA package 

For questions, email us at desresources@unt.edu or call us at 940-565-4587.