We've created a "bucket list" of our 15 favorite traditions, activities, and experiences that all SFA transfer students should participate in before graduating. Whether they are Nacogdoches centric, full of SFA pride, or simply ways to connect with the transfer community, we encourage everyone to try to get involved and make the most of their Transfer Experience.

 

1. Participate in the Big Dip when you get your SFA ring. One of our biggest traditions, the Big Dip is held once a semester to recognize the students who have accumulated 60+ credit hours and earned their iconic SFA ring.

2. Take a trip with outdoor pursuits. Located in the Campus Rec Center, Outdoor Pursuits hosts regular trips which to connect SFA students with the beautiful piney woods around Nacogdoches. Students can also rent gear to take with them on their own adventures.

3. Throw an axe (or two) at the Rusty Axe in Downtown Nacogdoches. We wouldn't be lumberjacks without our axe handles, and at the Rusty Axe, students are able to relieve a little stress by throwing an axe...or two.

4. Cheer on our lumberjaack basketball team. Everyone can appreciate a winning team, and our basketball teams never disappoint. Join TSN or bring your friends to a home game for a dose of lumberjack spirit.

4. Study in the AARC. No lumberjack's SFA experience would be complete without utilizing one of the AARC's many amazing (and FREE) resources. From 1 on 1 tutoring to online writing help, the AARC has it all, and is always there to help our students succeed.

5. Attend the Battle of the Piney Woods (and trash talk Sam Houston just a little bit). You can't graduate before attending this rivalry game, or developing a hatred for the color orange. Grab your friends and as much purple clothing or join Purple Haze for this football game.

6. Dress up for the Lumberjack Achievement Awards. Held each spring to honor outstanding student leaders and organizations, the LAA is open to all lumberjacks. It's also one of our favorite events, although we might be biased since we won Student Organization of the Year back in April 2020. Check out the most recent LAA, hosted by our very own advisor, Emily Jefferson!

7. Volunteer during the BIG Event. The biggest day of service at SFA, the BIG Event is hosted by dedicated student leaders each spring to give back to Nacogdoches.

8. Attend Jack Camp or Transfer Orientation, either as an incoming student or as a counselor. Both programs are an amazing way to learn about SFA traditions and get connected to the campus community before you arrive, and if you have the opportunity to help make these programs available to other incoming students we encourage you to take it! This is a very rewarding opportunity available to returning students and one of our favorite SFA experiences.

9. Participate in National Transfer Student Week. Held each October, this week long celebration of all things transfer student is planned and hosted by our Transfer Ambassadors. Stop by our table or join us for one of our many events and enjoy celebrating your story!

10. Decorate an axe handle during Holler at Homer. Each fall to kickoff the semester and football season, Purple Haze and Traditions Council hold a pep rally and hand out axe handles to new students. Join in this unique tradition by painting your axe handle to show off your lumberjack spirit.

11. Get involved in campus organizations. Getting involved on campus (specifically the Transfer Student Network) has been our favorite part of the SFA experience. With hundreds of campus organizations, there's a group on our campus for everyone.

12. Tailgate a home game during football season. Join student organizations, alumni, Purple Haze, and more for tailgating and enjoy the fall weather. At home games we also recommend joining Purple Haze for Jacks Charge!

13. Attend the homecoming bonfire and concert. What better way to spend a fall Friday night than at a bonfire with a thousand of your closest friends? The annual bonfire is our favorite part of homecoming week and a SFA tradition no one should miss out on.

14. Two step at Banita on a Thursday night. Grab your friends and head to this Nacogdoches hot spot to dance the night away. Don't forget your boots!

15. Attend the Blueberry Festival in June. If you're in Nacogdoches during the summer months you can't miss the Blueberry Festival held each year.