Dressing for graduation

Caps, gowns and tassels

Soon-to-be graduates are required to wear caps, gowns and tassels when participating in the university commencement ceremony and convocation ceremonies. 

For students who are participating in ceremonies that take place at Mountain America Stadium, it is highly recommended that everyone wear flat-soled shoes (avoid heels). 

Upon arriving to check in for their ceremonies, students are required to hand-carry their gowns through security to gain access to the venues.

Graduation stoles

A graduation stole is a decorative sash worn over the graduation gown. ASU graduates wear stoles to represent their academic achievements, affiliations or identity. 

The Stole of Gratitude is the traditional gold stole. Most graduates wear this, although it is not a required part of graduation regalia. 

Caps, Gowns and Graduation Products

You can purchase your graduation items through Herff Jones, ASU’s official graduation vendor.

 

 

 

 

 

The ASU Grad Fair is your one chance to receive exclusive discounts on graduation packages including your cap, gown and tassel. At this online event, discounts are offered through Herff Jones. After Grad Fair, graduation packages are full price online or in store.

Starts: Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 at 8 a.m. MST
Ends: Friday, March 7, 2025 at 8 p.m. MST

On the first day of Grad Fair, graduating students receive an email with a unique link to access discounted graduation packages.

For questions about the Grad Fair, email help@southwestgrad.com or call 480-219-3247. 

Students can purchase their graduation regalia online through Herff Jones until April 14. Online purchases will be at full price.

Commemorative maroon and gold tassels and announcements are also available for purchase via the Herff Jones online store. Graduation announcements will be delivered to the provided home address two to three weeks after an order is placed

Students can purchase graduation regalia in person at all four Sun Devil Campus Stores. Check store hours. Regalia will be available for purchase in Desert Financial Arena and Mountain America Stadium on the day of graduation.

How to wear your Bachelor's cap and gown

 

How to wear your Master's cap and gown

 

 

How to wear your Doctorate cap and gown

 

What you wear under your cap and gown is about comfort and style.

Here are some tips:

• Think business-casual dress and remember: your shirt collar or dress top will show.
• Wear comfortable shoes suited for the surface. Will you be walking on soft or hard ground?? Will there be stairs?
• Check the weather for the ceremony and dress accordingly.
• Wear something that will work for a post-ceremony outing with family and friends.

A mortarboard is the flat, square top of your graduation cap.  Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about one inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

 Yes! This is highly encouraged.  Students should use their best judgement when designing their cap; however, we do ask that students avoid profanity and that the cap does not obstruct the view of the student sitting behind them.

 

If you choose to iron your graduation gown, here are some 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. Do not place the hot end of the iron on stitching in the front.
2. Move the iron continuously; don’t stay too long in one spot! Then, hang your gown to keep it wrinkle-free.

These tips also work for using a steamer in place of an iron.

The tassel is the decorative rope and fringe that hangs down from the top of your mortarboard. Wear your graduation tassel on the right side at the University Commencement Ceremony. When President Crow confers degrees at the Commencement Ceremony, you will flip your tassel to the left side, signifying the completion of your degree.

Here’s how to properly wear your graduation honor cord or cords:

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 or cords on top of your graduation stole, again making sure the cords are at the same length.

To wear your graduation hood, follow these tips:

1. Unfold your graduation hood with the colors facing outward and place it 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 are showing.
4. You can also carry your hood to your graduation ceremony and ask for help there.