Thank you for your interest in the La Raza graduation which highlights and celebrates our Hispanic/Latinx identities on campus!
The Multicultural Center collaborates with numerous departments, in addition to cultural and ethnic student groups, to coordinate culturally-based graduation ceremonies that complement the University’s commencement celebrations. These cultural celebrations acknowledge the value and uniqueness of underrepresented student experiences and serve to commemorate and highlight the accomplishments of individuals within a familial and cultural context.
La Raza Graduation is a bilingual graduation celebration that features traditions of Latino identities. The ceremony includes various Latino cultural elements and graduates are given the opportunity to publicly thank individuals who have helped them throughout their educational careers. La Raza Graduation is a chance for friends and family to join students in celebrating their success at navigating the challenges of college in the spirit of Latino culture.
La Raza Graduation Celebration was originally created by Latino students, staff, and faculty at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1973. It was a proactive strategy to restore pride, heritage, and sense of purpose to Latino students.
Today, La Raza Graduation has spread to many campuses. At the University of North Texas (UNT), the first-ever Raza Graduation occurred in 2012. It was organized by a small group of committed individuals from a student organization called MUEVE who formed partnerships with faculty, students, and staff to organize the event. The Multicultural Center has adopted graduation as part of its yearly programming and works directly with a student-led planning committee.
Multicultural Graduations FAQ
When and where is the La Raza ceremony?
Registration will open Spring of 2023
Who can participate in the Multicultural Graduations?
Any UNT student (undergraduate or graduate) who will be graduating in Spring 2023 can participate. We provide stoles for the following identities:
- Kente Stoles (People of Nia) – African, African American, Black identities
- Serape Stoles (La Raza) – Hispanic/Latinx identities
Do I need to fill out an application/register to participate?
Yes! The registration form serves to inform the graduation committees to include in their programs, how many students to expect, etc. While we would like to provide a stole and celebrate every graduating senior, stoles are limited so please register early!
Where can I find a registration form?
Spring registration information can be found below!
Do I still need to apply for graduation with the Registrar’s Office?
Yes. This is NOT an application for graduation. It is an application for identity-based graduation ceremonies that complement the University’s commencement celebrations.
How many guests may I invite?
As many as you like!
What does it cost?
What does it cost? Nothing! It is FREE for you, your family, and your friends.
What if I am graduating in the Fall?
While the Multicultural Center only hosts identity-based graduation ceremonies during the Spring semester, those graduating in December can still purchase a stole at https://www.midwestglobalgroup.com/
There are a variety of options for purchasing stoles and students are not required to use the same vendor as the MC.
Who can I speak to if I have questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at multicultural@unt.edu.