Graduation Guide: Cap and Gown (Regalia) and Merchandise
Reminder: The graduation application is not an order form for your regalia. Those items must be ordered and purchased through the campus bookstore.
- Texas Book Company
- 903.886.5830
What is Commencement Regalia?
Your graduation outfit (called “regalia”) includes a cap and gown. You might also wear special items like hoods, stoles, or cords that show your academic achievements or honors.
The style of your gown depends on the type of degree you're earning—bachelor's, master's, or doctorate. You can buy the correct gown and cap through the university bookstore. Staff there can help you pick out and order what you need.
Please note:
- You should not add decorations, Greek letters, initials, or anything extra to your cap or gown.
- Only official academic stoles or cords are allowed.
- Items like candy leis, flowers, or other decorations can't be worn during the ceremony.
- The only things that should go over your gown are approved stoles or cords.
Let's keep it respectful and in line with academic tradition so everyone can enjoy the moment!
Regalia Packages
Bachelor’s Package
The bachelor’s package includes a black cap, gown and tassel.
Master’s Package
Master’s graduates must purchase two different packages:
- Black cap and gown
- Master's hood and tassel
Doctoral Package
Doctoral graduates must purchase two different packages:
- Cap, gown and tassel
- Doctoral hood
Please contact Dayla Burgin with any questions.
Graduation Guidelines
Graduation is a special and formal event meant to celebrate your hard work and achievements. To help keep the ceremony respectful for everyone, please follow the guidelines below.
If you wear anything that doesn't meet the dress code, you may be asked to remove it. Not following the rules could mean you won't be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Let's work together to make it a great day for you, your classmates, and your guests!
Stoles and Cords
These items are optional and are not provided by the graduation office. The ones offered on the bookstore website can be purchased and are approved to wear. All other stoles should be approved by our office.
Veteran's cords will be provided by our Office of Veteran's Affairs. For questions, please contact Dustin Pearson.
Please see the Academic Distinction page for information on how academic achievements are recognized.
Decoration of Caps
Mortarboard caps should be worn parallel to the ground with the tassel on the left. While not encouraged, students may decorate their cap with tasteful decorations that are not offensive or obstructive to the view of others. Please use good judgement.
Clothing
To keep commencement respectful and memorable, all graduates are expected to dress appropriately beneath their academic gowns.
- Shorts are not permitted.
- Choose professional attire such as dress pants with a shirt, or a dress or skirt that does not fall below the hem of the gown.
- Wear clean, comfortable dress shoes, as you'll be on your feet for long periods and walking across hard or uneven surfaces.
Class Rings and Announcements
Please direct questions about class rings to the Office of Alumni Engagement at [email protected].
Commencement Photos
Individual pictures will be taken at the ceremony. Please direct all questions regarding pictures to Flash Photography.
Commencement Flowers and Gifts
The campus bookstore and a third-party vendor will be set up inside the Field House for purchases of university clothing, gifts and flowers. The university and graduation office have no authority over the prices or selection of items offered by the third-party vendor, and any questions related to their merchandise should be directed to them.
Metric Conversion of Height
As mentioned above, if you indicated you plan to attend the ceremony, you will then be prompted to enter your height and weight using feet, inches and pounds. The university bookstore uses this information to determine how many cap and gown sets to order and which sizes to keep in stock. If you feel more comfortable using the metric system, the following metric conversion chart has been provided for you.
Metric Conversion of Weight
If you indicated you plan to attend the ceremony, you will then be prompted to enter your height and weight using feet, inches and pounds. The university bookstore uses this information to determine how many cap and gown sets to order and which sizes to keep in stock. If you feel more comfortable using the metric system, a metric conversion chart has been provided for you below.