The 2013 Big Dip Ring Ceremony
What is the Big Dip?
The Big Dip is a right of passage for upperclassmen, and is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. DIP stands for "Dipped In Pride"…purple pride that is! The water in the Dip is from the Stephen F. Austin fountain. Anyone who has received the SFA ring can participate in the Big Dip no matter when they received it. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this popular tradition.
If I RSVP for Big Dip, does that guarantee seating?
All Big Dip participants will have assigned seating to the right of the stage and will be listed in alphabetical order by last name. RSVPing is for head count purposes only and does not guarantee seating for guests…guest seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors will open at 11 a.m. for seating.
Who should I contact if I need special assistance during the Big Dip?
Please contact Samantha Mora at smora@sfasu.edu or 936-468-1132 if you need special assistance during the ceremony. If you are in a wheelchair or have a hearing impairment, we will sit you close to the front and we have an interpreter that will be signing during 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 2 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.
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 following week.
What happens after the Big Dip Ceremony?
All participants will need to make their way to the Student Center atrium and stairway for a 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 a "SFA Ring Card," which gives participants who flash their SFA ring and purple hand at certain establishments anything from free lunches to discounts for SFA memorabilia.
What do the symbols on my SFA Ring mean?
Learn the history behind the SFA Ring.