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Cap & Gown Information

In 1896, the colleges and universities in the United States adopted a uniform code governing academic dress. In 1976, the university inaugurated gold and silver commencement regalia for its graduates. Since 1986,all graduates have worn black gowns. Those who are receiving a master's or doctor's degree from the University of Colorado wear hoods lined with the university colors, silver and gold. The velvet border of the hood indicates the degree and usually follows the same code as the color of the tassels. The Oxford cap, usually referred to as a mortarboard, has a long tassel that is fastened by a button on the top. Candidates for baccalaureate degrees wear the tassel pendant over the right front of the cap before the degree is conferred, and over the left thereafter. The color of the tassel on the bachelor's cap indicates the field of study, with the exception of the B.A. degree whose candidates wear white tassels indicating the Arts.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduates are required to purchase regalia for the ceremony from the CU Book Store, located in the UMC, during Regalia will be available for purchase at the cashiers in the lower level of the bookstore March 21. It will be available at the Grad Fair, March 19 & 20 from 10:00-3:00 in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom. The cost to purchase regalia is $43.99 (plus tax) which includes the cap, gown, and degree tassel. Regalia purchased is non-returnable. Other souvenir regalia packages are available for purchase. Call 303-492-6411 or visit the store for more information.

This year’s undergraduate regalia, made by the Willsie Company, is the first-ever cap and gown to be made from 100 percent recycled plastic. The regalia can be recycled or reused once graduation is over. Willsie is the first company to bring this product to market, demonstrating their deep commitment to environmental sustainability. All the caps and gowns are assembled in the United States.

Caps and Gowns can also be purchased online from the CU Book Store's online store.

Master's, Doctoral, and Law Students

Master's, Doctoral, and Law Students are required to rent academic regalia for the ceremony at the Balch Fieldhouse at the following times:

Fees for rental of cap, gown and hood (masters and doctoral only) are:

Rental fee must be paid with cash. A credit card is required and information will be retained as a deposit on the rental apparel. Rented regalia must be returned to the Balch Fieldhouse by 2:00 PM the day of the ceremony, May 11. If it is not returned after the ceremony your credit card will be charged. You must have your pink slip receipt when returning regalia or it is not returnable.

Any regalia not returned by this time must be returned within three business days to the CU Book Store in the UMC along with your pink rental slip. If rental apparel is not returned within three business days your credit card will be charged for the full replacement value.

For information about purchasing custom regalia, contact Diane Phillips (Willsie Cap and Gown) at 303-740-9745 or dphillip@q.com

Please note: The University Commencement Ceremony is an academic ceremony; therefore all participants must wear traditional academic regalia.