Caps & Gowns
What to Wear to the Commencement Ceremony
At the commencement ceremony, you will continue an age-old tradition by wearing the same caps, gowns, cords and hoods as generations of Buffs before you. Discover what and how to purchase to prepare for commencement.
Undergraduate Regalia
If you’re graduating with your bachelor’s degree, you will wear a black gown, a black cap and a colored tassel indicating your field of study.
You can purchase your regalia from the CU Book Store online or in person.
Graduate Regalia
If you’re graduating with your master’s or doctoral degree, you will wear a black gown and a hood lined with velvet trim denoting your field of study. Master’s students will wear a mortarboard cap and a black tassel. Doctoral students will wear a tam and a gold tassel.
The deadline to order regalia online has passed and any online orders placed will not arrive in time for our ceremonies. Jostens will be on-site with a limited supply of graduate regalia available for purchase in Balch Fieldhouse during the below dates/times:
- Wednesday, May 7 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Thursday, May 8 from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Academic Dress
In addition to your traditional regalia, you may wear cords, stoles and medals to represent your communities, programs, clubs and honors at CU Boulder. Learn which options are available to you.
The University of Colorado Boulder welcomes Native American and Indigenous students and their families to wear and display traditional Native American or Indigenous regalia at graduation. Regalia might include accessories such as beads, jewelry, feathers or leis, and clothes, blankets and footwear. Only enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe should wear or possess eagle feathers.
Donate Your Cap & Gown
After graduation season, consider donating your regalia for another student to use. Drop off your caps and gowns at the Environmental Center, located in Room 355 of the University Memorial Center.