Traditions of the University

Maroon Monday

A TWU dancer in her maroon uniform and a stick-on tattoo of the Owl mascot.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and other TWU fans wear maroon every Monday to show their university pride.

Join us and share your photos with the hashtag #MaroonMonday.

University Hand Sign

A graduate at her commencement ceremony holding up the TWU hand sign.

Our hand sign, initiated by TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten, forms the hand into a "TW" for Texas Woman's. To make the TWU Hand Sign:

Use your left hand
Form your thumb and index fingers into a "T"
Let your middle, ring and pinky fingers form a "W"
Show your school pride!

Class Flag Signing

All incoming first-year students sign a TWU flag to celebrate the beginning of your journey as Pioneers. The flag flies during move-in week, the first week of school, and again during your class' commencement ceremonies four years later.

Block Party

A TWU student poses in front of large balloons in the shape of TWU letters.

Celebrate coming back to campus - or arriving for the first time - at Texas Woman's annual Block Party in August. Meet your fellow Pioneers, party with Oakley and Chancellor Feyten, and enjoy free food, drinks and games before classes start.

Pioneer Palooza

TWU students relax and listen to music on the lawn of the Denton campus.

Celebrate TWU's birthday with a music festival held every spring. Enjoy food and live music from local artists at the amphitheater in the center of campus.

Homecoming

A vintage photograph of TWU students from the 1960's celebrating homecoming.

Texas Woman's University holds its Homecoming each spring. Weeklong activities celebrate the success and progress of our university, showcase student research and build connections between current students, alumni, faculty and staff across the TWU community.

TWU Game Nights

Oakley makes the TWU hand sign on the field at the Texas Ranger's stadium.

Join Oakley for college nights with the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros or Dallas Mavericks. Purchase discounted tickets as a TWU student, enjoy free transportation from the Denton campus and receive a professional sports team themed TWU hat or shirt included with your ticket. Look out for game dates during baseball and basketball season to purchase tickets and join us on social media with #TWUNight.

Finals Feast

TWU students take a selfie in front of a donut wall in the Denton campus dining hall.

A special meal hosted by the Pioneer Kitchen to fend off the fatigue of finals. Recharge with breakfast for dinner at Finals Feast.

Oak Leaf Chain

TWU students walk through the Denton campus holding an oak leaf chain.

Take a ceremonial final walk through the TWU Denton campus with your classmates. The Oak Chain symbolizes strength, knowledge and the passing of traditions. Every year the Oak Chain is rewoven for the traditional walk.

First-Generation Graduation

A TWU first-generation student receives her stole and poses with her family at the ceremony reception.

The Center for First-Generation Students hosts a special ceremony before commencement to distribute first-generation stoles that celebrate those first in their family to graduate from college.

Join the next First-Generation Graduation

Family Graduation

A child sits on the lap of a TWU student dressed in academic regalia in a crowd.

Texas Woman's recognizes the challenges of being a student and a parent. This special ceremony—hosted by CARE—recognizes your family's role in your academic journey. Bring your children so they can wear a cap and gown, walk across the stage, take a family photo and feel the excitement of being an accomplished graduate, just like you!

Join the next Family Graduation

Lighting of the Tower

The TWU skyline lit up at night with the ACT Tower lights on.

On select days special to Texas Woman's and the nation, the ACT tower is lit to show our Pioneer Pride. View a full list of occasions we celebrate through the Lighting of the Tower.

Page last updated 3:30 PM, May 1, 2024