University Gown Rental Guide
The tradition of academic regalia, commonly known as a “cap and gown”, is deeply rooted in history and continues to be a significant part of university graduation ceremonies. This guide provides comprehensive information on university gown rentals, helping students navigate the process and make informed decisions.
Historical Context of Academic Regalia
Graduation gowns date back to the medieval period when students and teachers wore clerical clothing, as the church had great influence over academics. The academic robes were used to distinguish scholars from laypeople. Scholars used to wear their robes all the time, but Oxford and Cambridge Universities were the first to introduce robes specifically for graduation ceremonies. The mortar board (graduation cap) also has historical roots in clerical attire, and over time, gowns and caps’ colours were used to distinguish degree levels.
Over time, the wearing of gowns daily became less common and over the years, the graduation cap and gown we see today became reserved for graduation ceremonies. The tradition of academic regalia and its use in American graduation ceremonies dates back well more than a century.
University Policy on Regalia
It is often a University policy that students wishing to participate in the morning ceremonies in the Yard must wear regalia, and it is a policy that extends to other graduation exercises. In addition, all students must wear the regalia appropriate for their degree program and that adheres to university guidelines. If your religious beliefs or traditional customs prohibit you from wearing academic regalia, please contact the Office of Student Affairs.
Renting vs. Buying: A Detailed Comparison
Traditionally, most people tend to rent their graduation gowns. So, is there ever a reason to buy one? The decision to rent or buy graduation regalia depends on individual needs and preferences. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
Renting a Graduation Gown
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Hiring is generally cheaper than buying an item you potentially only wear once.
- No Need to Store: If you hire a gown, you don’t need to worry about storing it later.
- Guaranteed Availability: Rental companies normally guarantee availability before you hire.
- Better for the Environment: Renting is much better than only wearing an item once and disposing of it.
- Easy Process: Hiring a gown is usually a very easy, hassle-free process as the gowns are often sent to the Ceremony.
- Guaranteed Correct Size: Rental companies will be able to advise on what size gown you need, whereas purchasing online leaves more chances of getting it wrong.
Cons:
- Potential for Additional Costs: If you are late handing in your gown and cap, or if it comes back damaged, you could be charged.
- Limited Availability: If you leave hiring to the last minute, then they may not have availability.
- One-Time Use: If you want a memento of your day, then if you hire a gown, you won’t get to keep it.
Rental is generally considered the most cost-effective option and is a very easy process, as gowns are sent to the ceremony location before your graduation, meaning you don’t have to stress about bringing them with you.
Buying a Graduation Gown
Pros:
- Own It: You get to keep your gown and cap as a memento of your day.
- No Deadlines: You don’t have to worry about standing in line to give your gown back or being charged for late fees; you can just focus on enjoying your day.
- Could Reuse: If you buy a graduation cap and gown, you have the potential to reuse them for other academic events.
- Potential to Resell: You could resell your cap and gown and make your money back.
- Guaranteed Availability: If you are organised and buy your graduation attire in advance, you’ll have it way before your ceremony
Cons:
- More Expensive: It’s generally much more expensive to buy a gown than to hire one, particularly if you will only wear it once.
- Resale Value is Likely to Decline: If you try to sell your gown after it’s been worn, it’s likely to decrease in value.
- Carry it with You All Day: You’ll have to bring your gown with you on the day.
- Will Need to Store It: After your graduation day, you will have to find a place to store it.
Buying a gown is usually more expensive in the long run, particularly if you only intend to wear it once, but it does mean you don’t have deadlines to worry about and have a memento of your big day.
Pre-Ordering Regalia
Students must pre-order their regalia. If purchasing your regalia: If you choose to purchase your regalia, manufacturing takes about 6 -8 weeks - plan accordingly!
Components of Academic Regalia
Regalia is the term for the clothing worn by graduates and participating faculty. It is commonly known as a “cap and gown”.
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.
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Graduation Stoles
A graduation stole is a decorative sash worn over the graduation gown. Graduates wear stoles to represent their academic achievements, affiliations or identity. The Stole of Gratitude is the traditional gold stole.
Hoods
Your hood color is based on your concentration. You will arrive wearing your hood. Josten’s has provided a step-by-step guide to assist you in the proper way to wear your hood. Your hood color is based on your concentration.
How to Wear Academic Regalia
The Cap (Mortarboard)
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.
The Tassel
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).
Honor Cords
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.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
Post-Graduate Hood
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.
What to Wear Under Your 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. 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).
- 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.
Care and Maintenance of Your Gown
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.
Purchasing Regalia
Regalia is available for purchase from the VolShop. Graduates can also purchase announcements, diploma frames, and class rings on the site. Please remember to take your regalia out of the packaging several days in advance. Everything you need comes in the Bachelor’s Element Gown Unit. Sizes are based on your height.
Discounts on Graduation Packages
The 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. 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. In person Students can purchase graduation regalia in person at all four Sun Devil Campus Stores. Check store hours.
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