|
Friday, December 5, 2025
Grand Ballroom, Baker Pattillo Student Center
All eligible participants will receive an email invitation before Friday, November 14.
There is no need to RSVP; we have spots reserved for all who receive email invitations. If you do not receive an email by November 14 and plan to participate, please call 936.468.3407.
Questions or need special assistance? Call 936.468.3407.
Casual Dress
Show your school spirit by wearing purple for Spirit Friday
AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE!
Each ceremony will be available on our YouTube channel.
Guest seating is first come, first served. Most guest seating is on the left side of the room; some will be to the right back section (behind the dippers).
DIPPERS, your seating is reserved and in alphabetical order from front to back in the right front section.
Everything you need for the ceremony will be in your seat!
For more information call 936.468.3407.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Big Dip?
The Big Dip is a rite of passage for upperclassmen held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. DIP stands for "Dipped In Pride”…purple pride that is! With water from the Stephen F. Austin fountain dyed purple to represent Lumberjack pride, students receive their rings and celebrate their achievements with family and friends. Anyone who has received the SFA ring can participate in the Big Dip, no matter when they received the ring. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of this popular tradition.
Do I need to RSVP?
Big Dip participants do not need to RSVP and will have assigned seating to the right of the stage. Participants will be listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Whom should I contact if I or a guest needs special assistance during the Big Dip?
Please call 936.468.3407 or email alumni@sfasu.edu if you or a guest needs special assistance during the ceremony.
Can I participate in the Big Dip with a ring I purchased somewhere else?
Balfour and the SFA Alumni Association worked together many years ago to create the official ring of SFA from the rich history of the university. The Big Dip ceremony has become one of the largest ring ceremonies at universities all across the United States that celebrate receiving an official SFA ring. Because of this, only rings purchased through Balfour are allowed to be a part of the Big Dip. Click here to learn more about the SFA Ring.
Where do I need to park?
Guests can park anywhere on campus except loading zones and handicap-accessible parking spaces.
Do my family and friends need to RSVP to guarantee seating?
Guest seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. event, at 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. event, and at 3:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. event.
How long will the dye stay on my hands?
Don’t worry…it’s not permanent. The dye will stay on your hand anywhere from a couple of hours to two days, depending on how many times you wash your hands.
How should I dress?
We say casual dress for the Big Dip, and feel free to show your school spirit by wearing purple for Spirit Friday! You will be dipping your hand in purple dye so please remember that white/light colored clothing might not be the best option. You may get dip on you! No orange or closely related colors, please.
Do I need to wear the Big Dip nametag?
All Big Dip participants will have a nametag located in their assigned seat. We would like all participants to wear the nametags so we can identify you in pictures.
What happens after the Big Dip Ceremony?
All participants will make their way outside for the group photo, and we will have volunteers to lead the way. We very graciously ask that you make your way to the picture location immediately following the ceremony and have a location to meet up with your family and friends after the photo. The photo should take no longer than 10 - 15 minutes after the ceremony. Big Dip participants will also receive an "SFA Dippin' Discounts Card,” which provides perks for SFA ring wearers with a purple hand at certain local establishments --anything from free lunches to discounts for SFA memorabilia.
Will there be pictures taken of the participants?
Yes,
we have recently contracted with Grad Images to provide this service.
Each Student will have 3 prominent photo spots, while dipping, receiving
the ring from the president and in front of an off-stage backdrop. In
addition, the group shot of each ceremony as well as crowd shots will be
taken. These will be made available to you to review and purchase. GradImages®
is proud to be the official event photographer for the Big Dip!
Pre-register with GradImages before the Big Dip and receive a discount!
Please go here to pre-register: www.gradimages.com/registration.
When you search for your school, be sure to type "Stephen F. Austin". Finding your photos after the event is easy. You will receive your free
photo proofs via email or mail after the event, or you can search for
your images on www.gradimages.com/stephenfaustin. Questions? Please contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
What do the symbols on my SFA Ring mean?
|
Print Page | Contact Us | Your Cart | Sign In | Register