How to dress for graduation

Caps, gowns & tassels

Students are required to wear caps, gowns and tassels when participating in the University Commencement Ceremony as well as any college convocation ceremony and most special interest convocation events. PLEASE NOTE: The Stole of Gratitude is an additional amenity to the official cap and gown. It is NOT a required part of the academic regalia.

Graduation Products

Caps, gowns and personalized graduation announcements may be purchased online through Herff Jones.

Grad Fair Spring 2019

Polytechnic campus:
Polytechnic campus bookstore
5999 S. Backus Mall
Tuesday, March 12
9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 

West campus: 
West campus bookstore
4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ 85306
Wednesday, March 13
9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Downtown Phoenix campus: 
Downtown campus bookstore 
111 E. Taylor St. #160, Phoenix, AZ 85281
Thursday, March 14 & Friday, March 15
9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 
*Thunderbird graduate students are invited to participate in the Downtown campus Grad Fair.

Tempe campus:
Tempe campus bookstore
525 E. Orange Street, Tempe, AZ 85287
Tuesday, March 19, Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21
9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

ASU Online Campus and Tucson Social Work Campus
*Eligible full-time online students only
Starts: March 22 at 10 a.m. EST (7 a.m. MST)
Ends: March 24 at 10 p.m. EST  (7 p.m. MST)
*Eligible online students will receive an email with a unique link directing them to the Online Grad Fair.

Commemorative maroon and gold tassels are also available. Caps, gowns and tassels may be purchased at the ASU Bookstore. The ASU Bookstore hosts a Grad Fair for every graduation season where you can get great discounts on your purchases. See the bookstore site for details on this event. You may also purchase a stole of gratitude at the ASU Bookstore. PLEASE NOTE: The Stole of Gratitude is an additional amenity to the official cap and gown. It is NOT a required part of the academic regalia. 

For information about the history of the academic costume, visit the American Council on Education Web site.

How to wear your cap and gown

How to wear your master's cap and gown

How to wear your doctorate cap and gown

What do you wear under your cap and gown?

What you wear under your cap and gown is about comfort and style! Think business-casual dress, and remember: your shirt collar or dress top will show. Wear comfortable shoes suited for the surface — a football field? Stairs to climb or descend? Check to see what the temperature will be during the ceremony and make sure you are prepared. Most importantly, wear something that won’t distract from the formality of the ceremony and is the right fit for post-ceremony dinner or an outing with family and friends.

How do you wear a mortarboard?

Wear your mortarboard like the academic pro you are. Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head, and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

How do you iron a graduation gown?

If you choose to iron your graduation gown, here are a couple of quick tips:

1. Turn the gown inside out and use the “Warm” setting on your iron. If you are ironing your stole, iron it face down, not directly on the stitching on the front.
2. Move the iron continuously; don’t stay too long in one spot! Hang the gown to keep it wrinkle-free. You can use a steamer on your graduation stole, too!

What side do you wear your graduation cap tassel?

Wear your graduation tassel on the right side of your mortarboard. When you have received your diploma, you will be told to flip your tassel to the left side!

How do you wear honor cords at graduation?

Here’s how to properly wear your graduation honor cord(s):

1. Once you are in your gown, first place your graduation stole around your neck, making sure the ends are at the same length.
2. Place your honor cord(s) on top of your graduation stole, again making sure the cords are at the same length.

How do your wear a post-graduate hood at graduation?

To wear your graduation hood, follow these tips:

1. Unfold your graduation hood with the colors facing outward and place over your head.
2. Attach the hood cord to your shirt button, or use a pin to keep the hood properly secured and positioned.
3. Get some assistance to turn your colors out on the back, so they show.
4. You can also carry your hood to your graduation ceremony to get some help!