Cap and Gown FAQs

Ceremony Information

Where do I get my cap & gown?
Caps & gowns are available at the UNC Charlotte Bookstore each semester starting with the first day of the Graduation Fair up until the day of graduation.
What size gown do I need and when do I get measured for it?
Gowns are sized by height so there is no need for special measuring; they tend to run short so if you prefer a longer look, select a gown that is an inch or two longer than your actual height. Caps are one size fit all.
How much will my cap & gown cost?
There is no added expense for your cap & gown. The graduation fee paid to the registrar covers the cost of your cap & gown as well as the cost of your diploma.
What about the tassel?
Your cap & gown includes a black tassel with a gold-trim ornament showing the year of your graduation and is worn on the right side of the cap.
Do I need a colored tassel?
Colored tassels are strictly a matter of choice (unless your college or department has instructed you otherwise). Colors are associated with the degree earned and can be worn by both undergraduate and graduate candidates. Both the black and the colored tassel can be worn together if the candidate so chooses. Colored tassels are not included in the graduation fee but can be purchased at the Bookstore.
I am a candidate for a graduate degree, where do I get my hood?
Hoods for master's candidates are available at the bookstore. The color of your hood will be the one associated with the degree you have earned. Master's degree candidates wear their hoods to the ceremony.
Hoods for Ph.D. candidates are also available at the Bookstore. Doctoral candidates are responsible for coming to the Bookstore to reserve and pay for their hoods, The Bookstore then holds the hoods for the Ph.D. candidates, taking them to graduation rehearsal as Ph.D. candidates are hooded on stage during commencement.
Some doctoral candidates who know they will need regalia on a regular basis in their professional career can opt to purchase their gowns, hoods, and tams at this time (see Faculty Regalia).
What do the different colors of tassels and hoods stand for?
The colors associated with academic degrees in the United States have a long tradition and are as follows:
  • ArchitectureLavender
  • Business Admin.Drab
  • EconomicsCopper
  • EducationBlue
  • EngineeringOrange
  • Fine ArtsDark Brown
  • MusicPink
  • NursingApricot
  • Public Admin.Peacock
  • ScienceGold
  • Social WorkCitron
I'm a member of an organization/honor society; where do I get my honor cords and/or stole?
Honor cords and stoles are available through the organization that they represent. Please contact your organizational representative for specific details.

Faculty Regalia

Can faculty order their regalia for the Bookstore?
The Bookstore is proud to assist faculty in their regalia needs by either assisting them in ordering custom regalia or by renting regalia for specific ceremonies. (Interested faculty should be referred to the Bookstore Manager, Assistant Manager, or Merchandise Manager)
How much is the rental regalia and what does it entail?
Rental regalia includes a black on black doctoral gown, a generic doctoral stole, and a mortar board with a gold tassel. If time permits, it is sometimes possible to rent regalia with one's associated degree colors. If this is your preference, every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate you. Please contact the Bookstore for the current rental information.
How do I order custom regalia?
Custom regalia can be ordered from the Bookstore and requires a number of style and price decisions, as well as an inventory of various physical measurements. The cost for custom regalia can be as little as $375 or as much as $900 depending on the choice of style and fabric. Delivery can be expected in 6 – 8 weeks. Custom gowns are not returnable and (regrettably) faculty discounts at the Bookstore do not apply.

Graduation Fair

When is the Graduation Fair?
Graduations fairs at UNC Charlotte are usually sponsored by the Bookstore in October (Fall Semester) and March (Spring Semester); please refer to the Bookstore Calendar or contact store management for specific dates pertaining to the current semester.
What else happens at the Graduation Fair besides picking up my cap & gown?
Representatives from Herff Jones and Balfour/Artcarved will be present to assist graduating students in ordering invitations and selecting a class ring, pendant, or pin.

Class Rings & Graduation Invitations

If I miss Graduation Fair can I still order a ring?
Both of the companies that are approved for manufacturing UNC Charlotte class rings will be on campus two other weeks during the semester. Check the store calendar or ask the store manager for specific dates. You may also contact class-ring representatives:. Herff Jones and Balfour/ArtCarved.
If I miss Graduation Fair, can I still order invitations?
Certainly; personalized invitations can be ordered online at either of the two sites listed above.
I've waited too late to order personalized invitations, what can I do?
The Bookstore carries generic invitations that can be purchased in packs of 10. These are identical to the personalized invitations—including the double envelope—save for the omission of your name and the time of the ceremony. Enclosure cards on which to inscribe this missing information are also available.

The Commencement Ceremony

How can I find details about the commencement ceremony?
Everything you need to know about the ceremony, including tickets to graduation, ceremony times, and directions.