APRIL 30, 2021
William R. Johnson Coliseum (NEW location!)
Noon
***Friends and family will now be able to attend due to the recent lifting of restrictions.***
We will broadcast the ceremony live via YouTube.
All eligible participants will receive an email confirmation before Friday, April 26.
RSVP is required by April 25. If you do not receive an email verifying your ceremony time by April 26 and plan to participate, please call 936.468.3407.
Questions or need special assistance? Call 936.468.3407.
Casual Dress; no orange or orange tone attire, please.
AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE!
Each ceremony also will be available on our Facebook page in a timely manner.
More information to follow. Lodging Options The Fredonia Hotel
The Official Hotel of the SFA Alumni Association
Call (936) 564-1234 and refer to the "SFA Alumni Association" room block at a special $129 rate. Mockingbird Suites mockingbirdsuites.com
Hampton Inn & Suites (936) 560-9901
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (936) 564-0100
Comfort Suites (936) 585-4918
Best Western (936) 560-4900
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
COVID-19 Related Questions Will we be holding a Big Dip?
Yes!!! Big Dip will now be held at the William R. Johnson Coliseum due to the lifting of recent restrictions.
Will guests be allowed?
Yes! Since we have moved to the coliseum, we do not have a limit on the number of guests, but please be mindful of social distancing. We will also provide a link for family and friends to watch the ceremony virtually.
Will you have to wear a mask during the ceremony?
Yes. You will also have to wear a mask on stage; we have arranged a custom Big Dip mask as a special gift for you. Will we be able to dip our hand?
Yes!
According to the Covid Operations Team at SFA, participants can still
dip! However, anyone wanting to participate must use hand sanitizer
before dipping (we will have a station set up) and we will have a
hand-wiping station after dipping.
If I already have my ring, what do I do?
Please bring your ring with you to the ceremony. If you have a pocket, keep your ring in your pocket until everyone is told to put their rings on. If you don't have a pocket, please wear your ring on your left hand (temporarily) as you will be dipping with your right hand. The dye can be hard to remove from the small areas of the ring if dipped.
Will we be able to shake Dr. Gordon’s hand? Dr. Gordon and the participant will do the Axes Up hand sign for the photo. What is the Covid-19 protocol? All staff and volunteers will be wearing gloves and masks. We ask that everyone entering the William R. Johnson Coliseum wear a mask. --
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 Official SFA ring can participate in the Big Dip, no matter when they received the ring. This year marks the 19th anniversary of this popular tradition.
Do I need to RSVP?
Big Dip participants WILL need to RSVP by April 25. Participants will be listed in alphabetical order by last name for assigned seating.
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?
You 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 on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 11 AM for the ceremony.
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. No orange, 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. All pictures will be posted on the SFA Alumni Association’s Facebook page the week after the event.
What happens after the Big Dip Ceremony?
We will take a panoramic group photo while everyone is seated. 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.
What do the symbols on my SFA Ring mean?
Will the Big Dip be streamed online?
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