Custom purple rental gowns designed for Northwestern that feature the University crest are the regalia standard and must be worn by all participating candidates. Tassels feature the Northwestern seal signet and are worn on the left side at all times. Candidates may not alter or decorate their regalia in any way or wear additional articles not directly related to academic merit. Doing so may interfere with their ability to participate. Bachelor degree regalia includes a souvenir stole. Advanced degree candidates wear hoods. The lining of the Northwestern hood is purple and gold, and the color of the velvet border of the hood indicates the academic area. Candidates from The Graduate School wear black tassels. All other degree candidates wear tassels indicating the color of their academic area. All degree candidates may retain their cap and keepsake tassel. Bachelor degree candidates may also retain their souvenir stole. PhD candidates may elect to purchase official Northwestern regalia and should contact NUregalia@gmail.com to make arrangements.

Ordering Caps and Gowns

Rental arrangements for student caps and gowns may be made online beginning March 16, 2009.

Undergraduate rental fee is $47 (retain cap, tassel and stole). Advanced degree rental fee is $56 (retain cap and tassel). Doctoral rental fee is $71 (retain velvet tam and tassel). Candidates who do not order by May 1 may make a direct rental based upon availability at the time of distribution and will be charged a $20 late fee. Both rental fee and late fee are payable in cash only. Checks and charge cards will not be accepted.

To order your cap and gown, follow the prompts on the Web site. Be sure to select the appropriate school of enrollment and degree. Candidates from The Graduate School must be certain to select the correct degree to receive the appropriate color hood. Degrees from all other schools are identified only as bachelor, master or doctor, as there is no distinction between degrees within a school with regard to color of tassel or hood.

Candidates receiving degrees from two schools must select one degree and may arrange for a second tassel or hood at the time of cap and gown distribution. View a list of degrees awarded by school.

Distribution and Return of Caps and Gowns

Cap and gown as well as ticket distribution occurs in the Louis Room at Norris University Center as follows:

Undergraduate Candidates:
Wednesday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Advanced Degree Candidates:
Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Designated locations and times for cap and gown return will be outlined on the information sheet provided at cap and gown distribution. The distribution of diplomas may be dependent upon the return of rental regalia.