How to Wear a Commencement Cap, Tassel and Gown

Caps and gowns date back to medieval Europe.

The ritual and pageantry of wearing academic regalia---long loose gowns, mortarboard-style caps and colored tassels---dates back to medieval Europe when students wore these special uniforms on a daily basis during their studies as a way to distinguish them as scholars. Today, students customarily don caps and gowns only during commencement and other graduation-related festivities. While every college and university has its own specific style and color of regalia, wearing the cap and gown correctly just requires brief attention during dressing.

Things You'll Need

• Academic gown
• Tassel
• Mortarboard with inner cap

Instructions

1. Step into your gown and fasten it--some gowns have covered zippers, buttons or hooks--and arrange it so that the gown is sitting on your shoulders comfortably. The gown should fit very loosely and the hem should fall below your knee. The hem should not, however, be so long that the gown trails on the ground or puts you in danger of tripping over it.

2. Pick up your cap and mortarboard. In the center of the top of the mortarboard there is a button. Hang your tassel around this button.

3. Place the cap and mortarboard on your head. Turn the cap so that the point is in the middle of your forehead.

4. Arrange the mortarboard so that it is horizontal (parallel to the floor).

5. Pull your tassel to the correct side of the mortarboard. If you are receiving your first degree (usually a Bachelor's or Associate's degree), wear your tassel on the right side of your mortarboard until you are instructed to move the tassel to the left during the ceremony. If you are receiving a graduate degree, wear your tassel on the left side of your mortarboard.

References

• San Diego State University: Commencement 2010 Academic Regalia
• University of Wisconsin: Cap and Gown Purchase
• University of California Regents: Graduation Frequently Asked Questions
• New York Times: Academic Dress