Cap and gown guide
Graduation attire requirements
Graduates are required to wear caps, gowns, and tassels when participating in the university commencement, convocation and select celebration events. Master's and doctoral graduates must also wear a hood.
When arriving for your ceremony or celebration, graduates are required to hand-carry their gowns through security. After entering the venue, proceed directly to your assigned seating area and put on your gown at your seat.
For students participating in ceremonies and celebrations at Mountain America Stadium, we highly recommend wearing flat-soled shoes or thick-heeled shoes to avoid sinking in the grass.
Purchase your cap and gown
ASU Grad Fair: Upcoming dates
Starts: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at 8 a.m. MST
Ends: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. MST
On the first day of Grad Fair, graduating students receive an email with a link to access Grad Fair and purchase discounted graduation packages.
For questions about the Grad Fair, email [email protected] or call 480-219-3247.
Buying regalia online
Students can purchase their graduation regalia online through Herff Jones until Nov. 3. Online purchases are full price.
Commemorative maroon-and-gold tassels and announcements are also available for purchase through the Herff Jones online store. Graduation announcements will be delivered to the home address provided two to three weeks after the order is placed.
Stoles, honor cords, and academic recognition
Stole of Gratitude
The Stole of Gratitude is the traditional gold stole. Most graduates wear this, although it is not a required part of graduation regalia.
The Stole of Gratitude provides an opportunity to recognize someone who has supported your academic journey. The stole may be presented to a family member, friend, mentor or other significant supporter after your ceremony.
Honor cords
Undergraduate students completing a bachelor’s degree qualify for academic recognition based on cumulative GPA.
- 3.40-3.59 - cum laude
- 3.60-3.79 - magna cum laude
- 3.80-4.00 - summa cum laude
Honor cord pickup:
On-campus students: Visit any University Registrar Services location during office hours
ASU Online students: Honor cords will be mailed automatically to eligible students
Master's students - "With Distinction"
Master's students with a 4.0 cumulative GPA qualify for "With Distinction" recognition on diplomas and transcripts.
Note: This recognition began fall 2022 and applies only to coursework completed at ASU as a graduate student.
How to wear your cap and gown
Your graduation attire varies by degree level. Review the video below to ensure your attire is worn correctly.
Frequently asked questions about cap and gown
If ironing, turn the gown inside out and use the warm setting.
For stoles, iron them face down. Avoid placing the hot iron directly on the front stitching.
Keep the iron moving—don’t let it sit in one spot.
Once finished, hang your gown right away to prevent new wrinkles.
Prefer steaming? The same tips apply—just keep the steamer moving and hang the gown immediately.
What you wear under your cap and gown is about comfort and style.
Here are some tips:
Dress business casual. Keep in mind that your shirt collar or dress top will be visible under your gown.
Choose comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking on steep ramps, grass, and stairs at most venues. Flat, supportive shoes are strongly recommended if your ceremony is in Mountain America Stadium.
Plan for the weather. Check the forecast and dress appropriately for the season.
Think beyond the ceremony. Wear something you’ll feel comfortable wearing afterward to celebrate with family and friends.
Personalization is encouraged! Use your best judgment when decorating.
Please avoid profanity, offensive images, or anything that obstructs the visibility of others.
Place it on your head so that one of the points faces forward, sitting about one inch above your eyebrows.
Make sure the mortarboard is level—not tilted forward, back, or to the side.
The tassel should hang from the front of the cap (see tassel instructions for placement).
The tassel is the decorative cord with fringe that hangs from the top of your mortarboard.
Undergraduate students:
At University Commencement, wear your tassel on the front right side.
When President Crow confers degrees, you will move the tassel to the front left side, symbolizing the completion of your degree.
For all events after University Undergraduate Commencement, your tassel should remain on the front left side.
Master's and doctoral students:
Do not move the tassel. It should already be worn on the front left side of your cap (or tam for doctoral graduates).
Once you are in your gown, place your graduation stole around your neck, ensuring the ends are the same length.
Place your honor cord or cords on top of your graduation stole, again making sure the cords are at the same length.
Find the loop. Look for the small cord or button loop on the inside of your hood.
Place it over your head. The velvet side faces outward, and the narrow (pointed) end goes in front.
Check the back. The wider end should drape down your back. You’ll notice a small “tail”—that’s intentional and part of the design.
There is no flipping required. Nothing needs to be turned inside out or twisted; just let the hood hang naturally.
Adjust as needed. The hood should lie flat, with the velvet trim showing around your neck and the school colors displayed neatly at the back.