First-Gen Grad is slightly different from your traditional graduation ceremony. Graduates and their guests are welcome to join during any time during the 1 to 3 p.m. time frame. At the event, students will be invited to walk across the stage while their name is read, take part in photo opportunities, and join in a reception with food and refreshments. 

There is not a strict dress code. Graduates are encouraged to wear their graduate regalia, which include the cap, gown, stoles and chords.

Graduates and their families typically attend the event for approximately 45 minutes.

Bring them all! All family and friends are welcome to attend and cheer you on. 

Parking is free at the Brazos Garage starting at 11 a.m. on the day of the event (May 7).

We will strive to ensure that all guests can participate fully in the Commencement celebrations regardless of accessibility needs. All parking garages have ADA parking (valid placard or license plate required) as well as elevators and our venue. For specific accommodations requests please contact us at firstgenlonghorns@utexas.edu

If you are walking from north campus, we are located on the ground floor of San Jacinto Residence Hall. Main Entrance for the event will be East 21st street right by Cypress Bend Café, south of Texas Exes Alumni Building.

If you are coming from Brazos Garage, please exit on the north side off the garage onto Jester Circle. Turn right and follow the street till you reach 21st Street, turn right till you are outside Cypress Bend Cafe and then enter through the main doors past the outside seating by cypress bend.

For this graduation we will be following all Security and Attendee Protocol set forth by the university.

Yes. A clear bag policy is in effect to enhance existing security measures and expedite venue entry at all event facilities on the UT Austin campus.

Approved bags include:

• LARGE BAGS: Bags or totes that are clear and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
• SMALL BAGS: Each person is allowed one large clear bag and one small clutch. Small clutch bags or purses do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5"

Small bags must not be larger than 4.5" x 6.5"

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all of those who attend Commencement activities. The below items are not permitted at any of the Commencement events.

• Artificial noisemakers
• Large bags (see Clear Bag policy)
• Banners, flags, flag poles, selfie sticks, signs, umbrellas, etc.
• Cameras with detachable lenses greater than 10", GoPros, video cameras and tripods
• Coolers
• Explosive and flammable materials, disabling chemicals and other dangerous items
• Food
  • Snacks needed for medical purposes are allowed.
  • No other outside food is permitted.
• Water: One sealed (soft plastic) bottle of water (up to one liter) is permitted. No other outside beverages or beverage containers are permitted (including Yeti or similar products)
  • Free water fountains are available for refill.
• Items deemed a safety hazard or annoyance (Frisbees, balloons, projectiles, laser pointers, fireworks, etc.)
• Pets (except service dogs)
  • Only service dogs are allowed into the stadium. Any other type of animal is not permitted.
  • The UT Austin campus only permits service dogs into our venues.
  • The service dog should be wearing identifiable attire and be harnessed or tethered in some fashion.
• Strollers
• Tobacco products (See smoking and tobacco policy on UTexas.edu)
  • The University of Texas became a tobacco-free campus in 2012. Campus policy prohibits the use of any tobacco products on the property including parking areas, parking structures, lawns and sidewalks. All forms of tobacco including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco are banned from campus.
• Weapons
  • No weapons may be carried in violation of Texas law.

Security officers will search all bags before attendees will be permitted to enter. Those with prohibited items will be turned away. This list is subject to change.