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, October 3, 2025, at 8 a.m. MST
Ends: Friday, October 17, 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.

After Grad Fair, students can buy graduation regalia online through Herff Jones until November 17. Online purchases will be full price.

For questions about the Grad Fair, email [email protected] or call 480-219-3247. 

Students can purchase their graduation regalia online through Herff Jones until November 17. 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:

• 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 celebrating in afterward with family and friends.

• The mortarboard is the flat, square top of your graduation cap.
• 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).

• Personalization is encouraged! Use your best judgment when decorating.
• Please avoid profanity, offensive images, or anything that obstructs the visibility of others.

If you choose to iron your graduation gown, here are some tips:

• 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.

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 mortarboard (or tam for doctoral graduates).

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

• 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.
• Secure the loop. Attach the loop to the button on the front of your gown (at your chest) so the hood doesn’t slip back.
• 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.