Are you completing your degree in Fall 2026?

The First Gen Graduation Stole Application opens October 1, 2026 for students completing their degree in Fall 2026! The First Gen Stole application opens on Thursday, October 1st, 2026 at 10:00 AM and will close on Thursday, November 12th, 2026 at 10:00 PM. 

Stoles are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once registration reaches capacity, a wait list will be available, but stoles will not be guaranteed.

To receive a stole, you MUST be planning to complete your degree in Fall 2026 from UNT Denton or UNT Frisco with an undergraduate or graduate-level degree. If you are graduating in Spring or Summer 2027, please check back in early February for the Spring application.

To be considered for a stole, you must complete BOTH of the following steps:

  • Step one: Complete a Stole Application. Click here to apply: First-Gen Stole Application Form

  • Step two: Complete one of the following engagement activities:  

Attend, “Degrees of Possibilities: Grad School Info Panel with UNT Graduate Admissions.”

Thursday, October 8, 2026

4:00PM - 6:00PM 

Location: Welcome Center, Room 103

Thinking of exploring graduate school? Join the First Gen Center and UNT Graduate Admissions to learn more about the opportunities available after graduation! We will be discussing the pathways to grad school, important deadlines to consider, advice on the application process, and more! A student panel will be available for an interactive Q&A session.

Attend, “Auto Literacy 101 with Capital One.”

Monday, October 19, 2026

6:00PM - 7:00PM 

Link to Attend Virtual Session: https://tinyurl.com/436utwt4

Ready to buy a car? Join the First Generation Success Center and Capital One for a virtual workshop on navigating the car-buying process. You'll learn what to expect when purchasing a vehicle and important factors to consider. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and make informed decisions about your next vehicle purchase.

Attend, “Self-Care & Succulents: Conversations on Avoiding Post-Grad Burnout.” Additional Registration Required!

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

5:30-6:30PM

Location: Union 377

 Required Event Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/yc6nj6yp

Join the First Gen Success Center and UNT’s Health Promotion Office for an evening of planting your own Succulent while engaging in a discussion about the different stresses students may face before and after graduation, along with strategies for managing them. Space is limited and registration is required. Please complete the registration form using the link provided above. A waitlist will be available once registration reaches Capacity; however, placement on the waitlist does NOT guarantee a spot in the event. We encourage you to register early to secure your place today! 

Attend, “Senior Send-Off: Grad Cap Decorating & Graduation Prep.”

Monday, November 9. 2026

7:00-8:00PM

Location: Union 339 

Link to Attend Virtual Session: https://tinyurl.com/9j5mshem

Graduation season is in the air! Join Online Student Experience and the First Gen Success Center for a virtual Grad Cap Decorating Event. While decorating your grad cap, you'll learn what to expect at graduation, discover helpful resources for obtaining your regalia, where to print your creations, and get tips to help you prepare for the big day. Graduation takes planning, but you don't have to do it alone. 

Attend, “From Offer Letter to Income with Student Money Management.”

Thursday, November 12, 2026

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Link to Attend Virtual Session: https://tinyurl.com/xbzsj4eu

Money takes on a new meaning after graduation. Join us for a workshop where you'll learn how to evaluate a job offer, understand employee benefits, and consider the cost of living when deciding where to work. This session will provide you with knowledge needed to make informed financial and career decisions as you prepare for life after college.

1-on-1 Grad Coaching Session

If you are unable to attend one of the events listed above, you can schedule and attend a 1-on-1 Grad Coaching Session, in-person or online, with a First Generation Success Center staff member.

Appointments can be scheduled through Navigate or at https://www.unt.edu/appointments/.

These sessions must be scheduled and completed by Friday, November 13th, 2026 by 5:00 PM. When scheduling your Grad Coaching Session, make sure to enter in the comments that the appointment is for a First Gen Graduation Stole requirement. 

**Approved staff members to schedule this appointment with: Kaitlyn Radley, Tadiwa Fambisayi, De’Marreo Felder, Maddie Lindstrom, and Katie Hermes. 

IMPORTANT 

  • Event updates and reminders will be posted on the First Gen Center's Instagram page. You can follow us @UNTFirstGen or visit https://www.instagram.com/untfirstgen/. We will also post updates on our LinkTree at https://linktr.ee/UNTFirstGen.
  • Stoles MUST be picked up in-person at the UNT Denton or Frisco campuses between Wednesday, November 18th, 2026 to Friday, December 11th, 2026 at 5:00 pm. At this time, we are not able to mail stoles. IMPORTANT: UNT will be closed Thursday, November 26, 2026 and Friday, November 27, 2026 for holiday break. Regular Hours will resume as normal starting Monday, November 30, 2026. 
  • A confirmation email will be sent to students approved to receive a stole via UNT Student Email on Monday, November 16th, 2026.
    Please note: We will not be able to award a stole until we have verified the completion of your engagement activity or 1-on-1 appointment & have received your stole application.

Save the Date 

First Gen & Emerald Eagle Scholars Graduation Celebration 

We invite you to join us to celebrate the First-Generation Class of 2026!

  • Tuesday, November 17th, 2026
  • 5:30PM - 7:00PM
  • UNT Union 333 - The Jade Ballroom

We invite you to join us to celebrate the First-Generation Class of 2026! 

This is a casual celebration honoring your hard work and accomplishments. This special event will feature delicious treats, photo opportunities, graduate resources, a brief recognition ceremony, and more. We encourage you to bring your family, friends, partners, children, and anyone who has been part of your journey and supported you along the way. 

If you would like to attend the Fall 2026 Graduation Celebration, please fill out this form. You will have the option to submit your name & picture for our Graduation Celebration slideshow.

Additional Information 

Mean Green Gowns for Grads is a program by the Diamond Eagle Resource Center which helps students rent a free cap and gown for commencement. Applications opened on September 23, 2026 for Fall 2026 graduates. The application can be accessed, along with more information, via this link: Mean Green Gowns for Grads | University of North Texas. Questions about this program? Email DESResources@unt.edu. 

Are you graduating in Spring or Summer 2027?

Follow us on Instagram to be the first to know about registration for First-Gen Graduation Stoles for students graduating in Spring 2027. As we approach the spring launch, stole application information will be emailed to your student email and posted on Instagram and our website: First-Generation Success Center | University of North Texas.  

 

For questions or accessibility accommodation, please email firstgen@unt.edu or call 940-565-3424.