# Aggie One Stop

**Source**: https://aggie.tamu.edu/graduation/what-to-expect,-day-of/tips-and-tricks-for-a-successful-day
**Parent**: https://aggie.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/international-student-scholarships

# Tips and Tricks for a Successful Day

## Checklist - Day Before the Ceremony:

- Students must have university‑approved regalia and should hang it up to let the wrinkles fall out.
- Students and guests should review Reed Arena's [Prohibited Items](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2F12thman.com%2Fsports%2F2023%2F12%2F11%2Freed-arena-special-events-policies&data=05%7C02%7Caallensworth%40tamu.edu%7Cbdd0ba5d19804d082d9508de59fca01a%7C68f381e346da47b9ba576f322b8f0da1%7C1%7C0%7C639047138714968758%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v%2BHYka1Ei6oVrLlP%2BXb1nymix1053GgVm9ConDyHOEg%3D&reserved=0 "https://12thman.com/sports/2023/12/11/reed-arena-special-events-policies") and [Clear Bag Policy](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2F12thman.com%2Fsports%2F2016%2F6%2F6%2Fclear-bag-policy&data=05%7C02%7Caallensworth%40tamu.edu%7Cbdd0ba5d19804d082d9508de59fca01a%7C68f381e346da47b9ba576f322b8f0da1%7C1%7C0%7C639047138714988015%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dXhtFJ19ag9fD1YnRfQJ2SVD%2Ffw%2FBNask6YaMiMuwGc%3D&reserved=0 "https://12thman.com/sports/2016/6/6/clear-bag-policy") that will be in effect for all commencement ceremonies.
- Students should ensure they and their guests know where to go and what time to arrive at Reed Arena.
  - The full [ceremony schedule](https://aggie.tamu.edu/graduation/schedule) can be used to determine when a graduate’s ceremony takes place.
  - Graduate check-in begins one hour before the start of each ceremony and graduates should check-in no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of their ceremony.
  - Doors for guests will open one hour before the ceremony begins.
  - Students should remember that this is College Station, where long trains pass through multiple times a day. Visitor traffic increases on ceremony days, and there is usually construction somewhere on or near campus.\
    \

## Checklist - Before Leaving the House:

- Students should be on schedule to leave on time. Students who are not checked in 30 minutes before the ceremony begins will be considered late.
- Students should be dressed appropriately. See below.
- Students should wear comfortable shoes they can walk in and won’t break.
- Students should be mindful of the prohibited items and clear bag policy for Reed Arena.
- Students **must**have their university‑approved cap and gown.
  - Most students wear tassels, but they are not required.

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## Lessons Learned and Tricks from Former Students

## [Let's Discuss Outfit Selections...](#a-pletsdiscussoutfitselectionsp-SKWfWS)

This achievement is what launches careers… dress like it!

- Graduates should take pride in their appearance.
  - If clothing needs to be pulled up or down to cover up, don't wear it. Remember, if a graduate wouldn't wear it around an employer, then please don't wear it to graduation.
- There is a lot of walking: to get on campus, going up and down stairs to the line-up room, up/down stairs again to get to arena floor, walking up stairs to cross the stage and back down to go take a photo. Shoes are required, so please wear comfortable shoes to get in place to walk the stage!

## [Personal Belongings](#a-ppersonalbelongingsnbspp-XNb6sQ)

- Bring a clear purse or fanny pack to hold personal belongings while crossing the stage. Reed Arena enforces a [clear bag policy](https://12thman.com/sports/2016/6/6/clear-bag-policy) for all commencement ceremonies.
- Don't have pockets? Wear a phone holder armband.\
  \

NOTE: Seating could shift during the commencement process, personal belongings should be minimal so nothing is left behind.

##### Tips and Tricks for a Successful Day

...