Grad Traditions

Commencement at UNT includes several traditions — crossing the stage when your name is said aloud, faculty members hooding doctoral candidates, and turning your tassel or ring to indicate you're now a graduate of the University of North Texas are just a few important moments happen during the ceremony.

But UNT also hosts events prior to commencement to honor graduates for their hard work and accomplishments.

Farewell Toast

Students sitting at a table at the Farewell Toast Every Spring a Farewell Toast event is held for graduates. This event — limited to fall, spring and summer graduates of the same academic year — is an opportunity to enjoy one last event together as a class. The Spring 2026 Farewell Toast is set for May 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The free event at the Alumni Pavilion includes music, food and a special toast with our official UNT Alumni wine (or another beverage of your choice) and the first 500 to register will receive a UNT alumni car decal and celebratory medallion necklace. The deadline to register is May 1. A link to register will be added here soon. Wear UNT Green attire and bring your state-issued ID.

The event is hosted by the UNT Alumni Association, UNT Parent Programs, and is sponsored by Cassaro, an alumni-owned winery and vineyard, and maker of the official wine of the alumni association, North Texas Tempranillo.

Ring Ceremony and Eagle Ring Dive

Students standing in front of a fountain in the Library Mall UNT's Ring Ceremony has been a UNT commencement tradition for more than two decades and the Eagle Ring Dive was added in 2018. Hosted by the UNT Alumni Association and part of the UNT Ring Program, the event is held at the Library Mall fountains a week before that semester's commencement ceremonies. This spring's event is Friday, May 1, in the Library Mall. Rings can be picked up starting at 3:30 p.m. with the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. and a reception to follow.

Details about the each semester's ceremony will be emailed to students who have purchased their rings in that semester.

Each participating student selects a loved one to present their class ring in recognition of the role family and friends have played in the UNT journey. After learning about the symbols featured on the rings, students participate in a celebration called the Eagle Ring Dive when they submerge their rings in the fountains. At the end of the event, McConnell Tower is illuminated to celebrate the graduates' academic victory as they dipped their rings.

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