Cap, Gown, and More
Traditional caps and gowns are recommended at all WSU in-person Commencement ceremonies. The Academic Costume Code guides the design of regalia used at colleges and universities nationwide.
Renting Regalia
To rent regalia for Spring 2023, follow the instructions below.
Order regalia by April 15
If you rent regalia for in-person ceremonies that are later canceled, you are still responsible for the cost of the rental.
How to Rent
Students
Rent online at Herff Jones
- Ordering available January 16 – April 15.
- It will be mailed directly to your home address. This also comes with a pre-paid return label for easy returns.
- Other graduation products are also available from Herff Jones.
Faculty
Order at no cost (faculty only) either through the Bookie or online through Herff Jones.
- Ordering available January 16 – April 15.
- Shipment to home or office is available at additional cost.
- Free pickup at The Bookie is offered in late April.
Purchasing Regalia
Doctoral students and faculty members may purchase regalia from Herff Jones.
- Allow 8 weeks lead time when ordering to purchase. (Order by March 9)
Returning All Regalia Rentals
- All rentals must be returned before Date TBD.
- If regalia was shipped to your home, please return it to Herff Jones in the postage-paid return packaging provided with your rental.
- If you picked up your regalia from The Bookie, please return all pieces to the store.
- Bachelor and Master students keep your cap and tassel. Doctorate students keep your tam and tassel.
Tips for Wearing Regalia
- Wear tassels on the right side.
- Remove academic caps during the posting of the colors and national anthem.
- Wear your stoles, sashes, and cords underneath the crimson/grey University yoke. Pull the yoke up snug to your throat with no sagging or gaping. (To do this, reach around to the back and pull the end of the yoke down.)
- Doctoral candidates, remove your tam during hooding.
Honor Cords
Undergraduates in NEP and SHS earning a 3.5 or higher grade-point average are considered honor students and can receive a custom WSU honor cord of crimson and silver. NEP students will receive honor cords at the NEP Graduation Celebration. SHS cords are available for pickup with Kelsey Meyer, Graduate and Undergraduate Advisor and Coordinator. (Herff Jones does not provide honor cords.)