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Regalia / Cap and Gown

Regalia is the term for the clothing worn by graduates and participating faculty. It is commonly known as a “cap and gown”. Regalia is available for purchase from the VolShop. Graduates can also purchase announcements, diploma frames, and class rings on the site. Please contact the VolShop with any questions.

Please remember to take your regalia out of the packaging several days in advance. We recommend using a steamer to get the wrinkles out.

Undergraduates

  • Everything you need comes in the Bachelor’s Element Gown Unit. Sizes are based on your height. There is a size chart available on the page.
  • Your unit will come with a white stole and the sleeves will look different than the others.

Master’s

  • Master’s students must purchase the Master Element Gown Unit AND a Master’s Hood.
  • Your hood color is based on your concentration. If you are not sure which color to purchase, please check with your department head.
  • Hoods will not be available at Food City Center, so make sure you get yours in advance.
  • Your unit will come with an orange stole and the sleeves will look different from the others.
  • You will arrive wearing your hood. Josten’s has provided a step-by-step guide to assist you in the proper way to wear your hood. A good rule of thumb is “satin goes down”.

Doctoral

  • Doctoral students must purchase the Doctor Element Gown Unit AND a Doctoral Hood.
  • Your hood color is based on your concentration. If you are not sure which color to purchase, please check with your department head.
  • Hoods will not be available at Food City Center, so make sure you get yours in advance.
  • Your unit will come with an orange stole and the sleeves will look different from the others.
  • Note that there are different doctoral element units for Vet Med and Law.
  • You will arrive carrying your hood.

Faculty

  • Faculty participating in the stage party or processional are welcome to wear their own regalia.
  • If you do not own your own, you may rent regalia from the VolShop. Note that the deadline is at least 10 weeks prior to Commencement weekend to submit your order.

Cap Decorations and Embellishments

  • Graduates are permitted to decorate their caps and wear additional embellishments, such as cords and stoles from organizations, as long as they are not offensive or would impact another graduate’s experience.

Grad Fair / Grad Finale

  • These terms are often used interchangeably and mean the same thing.
  • Grad Fair is hosted by the VolShop once a semester to provide graduates with a one-stop shop for all things graduation-related. Dates vary by semester, so check their website for this semester’s event dates.
  • During this event, the VolShop offers discounts on regalia, diploma frames, etc.