Dinner with 12 Pioneers FAQ

How do I sign up to be a host?

Use the Dinner with 12 Pioneers host registration form to sign up to be a host. Registration is on a rolling basis and will remain open throughout each semester year, but please reference the webpage for specific host registration deadlines. Host registration is first-come, first-served and capped, so please register as soon as possible to ensure availability.

Can I co-host?

Absolutely. Co-hosting with classmates, colleagues, friends, or a spouse/partner is a great option, especially for first-time hosts. There is no limit to the number of co-hosts who can participate.

When can I host my dinner?

Dinner with 12 Pioneers is organized around the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) in the spring. Hosts may register for a date that fits their schedule in the month of April. Dinner start times are completely up to the host(s), though most dinners begin at around 6 p.m.

Where can I host my dinner?

Hosts may host their dinner at a location of their choosing, whether it is at home, at a favorite restaurant, or place of business. We just ask that the location be a manageable distance from TWU, as most students carpool to the dinners.

How many students can I host?

Though the average group size is around 12, hosts may host as many students as they can comfortably accommodate or a minimum of six students.

Will I be reimbursed by TWU for dinner expenses?

Texas Woman’s University will not reimburse dinner expenses. However, hosts will be given in-kind gift credit for documented, (associated receipts must be submitted), dinner expenses. The in-kind gift amount will be allocated to Texas Woman’s University.

Is transportation arranged?

Carpooling is facilitated for most off-campus dinners by a member of the Alumni Engagement team or student assistant. Each dinner group is contacted prior to the dinner to encourage carpooling from campus. Please make sure to include the full address of the dinner location and any other informative details on the host registration form to help students find the location easily.

Can I target my student audience (i.e. to a specific school)?

Yes. If you prefer to host students from a specific major(s), please share those details on the host registration form. Audience preferences will be added to your dinner details on the student registration page. Note- student registration is on a first-come, first-served basis so staff will monitor registrations as best as possible, but 100% exclusivity is not guaranteed. If the dinner has not been filled closer to the dinner date, we ask hosts for flexibility to open any remaining spots to other students who may be interested, even if not within their preferred audience.

Why is my dinner not full?

Students can register for a dinner of their choosing, which may be based on professional interests, shared hobbies, TWU activities, etc. Dinners with more detailed host descriptions (i.e., related to their career, hobbies, interests, TWU engagement), tend to fill more quickly, so we ask that hosts provide as much information as possible in their registration. Though we emphasize commitment expectations to students in all of our communications, please note that late cancellations and additions are common. We try our very best to fill open spots during the week of dinners and notify hosts as soon as changes arise, but we appreciate your understanding with regards to student emergencies and unexpected cancellations that may occur, sometimes the day of the dinner.

Will I receive a student list and dietary needs prior to the dinners?

Yes. We will email hosts a student guest list with names, ages, schools, dietary restrictions, special needs, and other details about a week before the dinner and/or as dinners fill. Since there are often changes leading up to the dinner dates, we stay in close communication with students and hosts and notify hosts as any updates or cancellations arise. We also email hosts a “D12 Host Manual” before the dinners. The host packet will include an overview, planning tips, a timeline and checklist.

Can alcohol be served at the dinner?

We kindly ask that you please refrain from serving alcohol at this event.

Can I host again?

Yes, of course! But please remember, host registration is first-come, first-served and capped each semester, so we encourage registering as soon as possible to ensure availability.