Ordering Cap & Gown

Graduation Attire and Regalia

Graduation is a formal ceremony requiring business attire; however, suit coats and sport jackets are not to be worn under your academic robe. If desired, you military uniform may be worn in place of the graduation gown.

Ordering Your Academic Regalia

You will need to purchase your academic regalia (cap, tassel, gown, and hood) and bring it with you to the Residency Conference. Click here to purchase your regalia including your cap, tassel, gown, and hood.

For master's students, academic regalia consists of the:

• master's robe/gown with long, oblong sleeves
• cap/mortarboard
• black tassel
• discipline-specific master's hood

For bachelor's students, academic regalia consists of the:

• bachelor's robe/gown
• cap/mortarboard
• black tassle
• discipline-specific bachelor's hood

Wearing Your Academic Regalia

We want to be sure that you have the right regalia and know how to wear the regalia correctly. The information below should help, please print for reference. When you receive your order, make sure that it corresponds with the information below. Be careful not to lose the tassel when you open your order.

The Robe
When your robe arrives, be certain to try it on to verify that you received the size you ordered.

Colors
Check the hood’s colors. The hood fabric (1) will be black. The velvet color (2) is associated with your program (see chart below), and the lining should be maroon (3) and gold (4) – the Norwich colors.

Proper Wear
The hood should be placed over your head so that it drapes off your shoulders and over the back of your gown. The velvet border should be on the outside. Be sure the lining of the hood is turned out so that the maroon & gold colors are prominently displayed. This can be done by turning the velvet trim to the outside at the back just below your shoulders.

There may be a cord in the front of your hood to keep the hood away from your throat. Fasten the cord to a shirt or dress button. Make sure the black base (shell) of the hood is smoothed down and lays flat against the back of your robe. You will have plenty of help with your hood when everyone assembles for graduation.