Are you completing your degree in Spring or Summer 2026? 

The First Gen Graduation Stole Application opens February 2, 2026 for students completing their degree in Spring or Summer 2026!

First-Gen Stole Application Form

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 Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 from UNT Denton or UNT Frisco with an undergraduate or graduate-level degree AND complete one of the following engagement activities:  

Attend Degrees of Possibilities: Grad School Info Panel

Thursday February 12, 2026 

5:00PM - 6:30PM 

Location: Wooten 122 

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

Attend You’re Hired! Now What? An HR Overview

Monday March 2, 2026 

5:00PM - 6:30PM 

Location: BLB 170 

The First Generation Success Center and Dr. Gavrilova Aguilar from RCOB will be hosting this workshop to explain some of the HR considerations you may face when searching for jobs and accepting your first full-time role. We will discuss the components of an offer letter, negotiating a salary offer, and provide a breakdown of some of the benefits to consider when accepting a job. 

Attend From First Gen to Full Time: Advice & Q&A Panel with First Gen Graduates

Tuesday March 3, 2026 

5:00PM – 7:00PM 

Location: Union 333 – Jade Ballroom 

How do you make the transition from being a first-gen student to being a full-time professional? Do you have any specific questions you’d like to ask someone who’s “been there and done that”? This informal and interactive panel of local professionals will share their stories and offer advice for the next generation of first-gen grads. 

Attend Putting the Pieces Together: Transferrable Skills Workshop (Additional Registration Required!)

Wednesday March 4, 2026 

3:00PM - 4:30PM 

Location: Union 339 

Link to Register: https://unt.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_73ZkFxoLDKhKKnI  

Are you wanting to job-search outside of your major? Are you worried you don’t have enough professional experience? Or do you already have the skills for your dream job, are unsure how to communicate them effectively? Whether you’re exploring a new career direction or trying to make sense of how your past experiences translate into professional strengths, this workshop is for you. 
 
Join us as we break down what transferable skills are and how you can recognize them in your everyday experiences. We will teach you how to highlight these experiences in applications, interviews, and professional conversations, and you will learn how to view your background through a new lens. Mystery Lego kits provided for each participant!

Attend Capital One Campus Tour – Field Trip and Networking Lunch at Plano HQ in Plano (Additional Registration Required!)

Thursday March 5, 2026 

11:45 AM- 4:30 PM if providing your own transportation.  

10:30 AM – 6:00 PM if riding in UNT provided transportation between UNT Denton Campus and Capital One. 

Location: 8036 Dominion Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024, USA 

Link to Register and Select Transportation: https://unt.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fd6YzyBhWlfELY  

Hop on the van and let’s go tour the Capital One Corporate Offices in Plano! Get an insider's view of corporate life at one of the biggest companies in the US. Enjoy a free boxed lunch while listening to a panel of Capital One employees talk about how they navigate the hiring process and what they do on a day-to-day basis. Learn about savings, budgeting, and maximizing your financial wellness. This is a great opportunity to network with Capital One associates and fellow UNT students!  

Attend Stand Out, Stay You: Building an Authentic Professional Brand – Virtual Presentation Presented by Tanya Winfield (Additional Registration Required!)

Thursday March 5, 2026 

7:00PM - 8:30PM 

Register and Receive Zoom Link: https://unt.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74e3lpti2teHMyO  

Building your brand is important for all new professionals - but what exactly does that mean?  In this virtual workshop, you will learn how to share your experience, education, interests and goals with professionals and peers. You'll learn how to use LinkedIn & Social Media strategically to make your profile standout from the crowd. We'll also think about the Future and how our personal and professional brands determine the legacy you leave in your work and community.    

Attend Writing Your Story: Navigating Life Post-Graduation Presentation & Book Swap

Friday March 6, 2026 

10:00-11:30AM 

Location: Union 382 

Graduation is exciting but can be scary. Often, students can feel lost or anxious about the next chapter in life. Let's talk about this and discuss healthy ways we can navigate through this anxiety and set healthy boundaries with ourselves and family members. During the presentation, students will get the opportunity to make DIY bookmarks!  

Afterwards, students will be able to participate in a community book swap. If you would like to participate (optional) in a book swap at the end of the event, bring a leisure book and receive a ticket to trade for a new-to-you book! 

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 with a First Generation Success Center staff member. Coaching sessions can be scheduled on Navigate or at Appointments.unt.edu and must be completed by Friday, March 13 at 5:00PM. When scheduling your Grad Coaching Session, make sure to enter in the comments that the appointment is for a First Gen Graduation Stole requirement.   

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 March 18, 2026 and Wednesday May 6, 2026. At this time, we are not able to mail stoles. 
  • A confirmation email of if you have qualified to receive a stole will be sent to your UNT Student Email on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. Please note: we will not be able to award your stole until we have verified your completion of the engagement activity.  

Save the Date 

First Gen & Emerald Eagle Scholars Graduation Celebration 

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

  • Thursday, April 16th, 2026 
  • 5:00PM - 7:00PM 
  • UNT Union Room 333

This is a casual, come-and-go celebration, and your family, friends, mentors or other guests will be welcome at this event. Stop by the photo booth to take a photo with Scrappy in his graduation cap & gown! 

The link to register will also be posted on our Linktree. You will have the option to submit your name & picture for our Graduation Celebration slideshow. 

IIf you would like to attend the Spring 2026 Graduation Celebration, please fill out this form. 

Additional Information 

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

Are you graduating in December 2026?

Follow us on Instagram to be the first to know about registration for First-Gen Graduation Stoles for students graduating in Fall 2026. As we approach the Fall 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 940-369-5251.