CU Book Store / Graduation / Caps & Gowns
In 1896, the colleges and universities in the United States adopted a uniform code governing academic dress. In 1976, the university inaugurated gold and silver commencement regalia for its graduates. Since 1986,all graduates have worn black gowns.
Those who are receiving a master's or doctor's degree from the University of Colorado wear hoods lined with the university colors, silver and gold. The velvet border of the hood indicates the degree and usually follows the same code as the color of the tassels.
The Oxford cap, usually referred to as a mortarboard, has a long tassel that is fastened by a button on the top. Candidates for baccalaureate degrees wear the tassel pendant over the right front of the cap before the degree is conferred, and over the left thereafter. The color of the tassel on the bachelor's cap indicates the field of study, with the exception of the B.A. degree whose candidates wear white tassels indicating the Arts.
- Architecture and Planning: Blue-Violet
- Arts and Sciences: White
- Business: Sapphire Blue
- Engineering: Orange
- Fine Arts: Brown
- Journalism: Red
- Music: Pink
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduates are required to purchase regalia for the ceremony from the CU Book Store, located in the UMC, during regular business hours, or 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the ceremony. Regalia will be available beginning March 16, 2009 at the Grad Fair and then at the cashiers in the lower level of the store. The cost to purchase regalia is $34.95 (plus tax) if you purchase it before Wednesday, April 15, 2009. April 16 through Friday, May 8, the day of commencement, the cost is $44.95 (plus tax). The regalia set includes cap, gown, and degree tassel. A cap and tassel set may be purchased for $19.95 (plus tax). Regalia purchased is non-returnable. Other souvenir regalia packages are available for purchase. Call 303-492-6411 or visit the store for more information.
Caps and Gowns can also be purchased online from the CU Book Store's online store.
Master's, Doctoral, and Law Students
Master's, Doctoral, and Law Students are required to rent academic regalia for the ceremony at the Balch Field House at the following times:
| Wednesday, May 6 |
11:00 AM -
5:00 PM |
| Thursday, May 7 |
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Friday, May 8 |
7:00 AM- 8:00 AM |
Fees for rental of cap, gown and hood (masters and doctoral only) are:
| Master's |
$30.00 |
| Doctoral (includes tam) |
$44.00 |
| Law (includes tam) |
$44.00 |
Rental fee must be paid with cash. A credit card is required and information will be retained as a deposit on the rental apparel.
Rented regalia must be returned to the Balch Field House by 5:00 PM the day of the ceremony. If it is not returned after the ceremony you credit card will be charged. You must have your pink slip receipt when returning regalia or it is not returnable.
Any regalia not returned by this time must be returned within three business days to the CU Book Store in the UMC along with your pink rental slip. If rental apparel is not returned within three business days your credit card will be charged for the full replacement value.
For information about purchasing custom regalia, contact Diane Phillips (Willsie Cap and Gown) at 720-493-9689 or dphillip@q.com
Please note: The University Commencement Ceremony is an academic ceremony; therefore all participants must wear traditional academic regalia.
