Caps and Gowns

Instructions to Candidates

FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR GRADUATION AND HAVE SENT AN RSVP FOR THE CEREMONY:

The Commencement Committee hopes that the following information will be helpful in making the Commencement activities more enjoyable for you and your guests. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Pre-Commencement Preparation

Caps, Gowns & Tassels

Caps, gowns, and tassels (and hoods for master,specialist and doctoral candidates) can only be ordered online. The website for placing an order can be found at:   

www.herffjones.com/college/udmercy

Prices vary by degree. Bachelor $23 Masters/Specialist $43 and Doctoral $54. There is a standard shipping rate of $14.00 within the US plus sales tax.  Cap and gowns will not be distributed at the university. 

Your cap & gown will be shipped directly to you. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

The last day for online orders is Sunday, April 7, 2013. Orders after April 7th will need to call 1-800-879-8143 to place a RUSH order.  Rush orders will incur a $20 charge. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 is the LAST day to place a rush order. 

No Orders will be accepted after May 1, 2013.

Attire

Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. Only approved academic regalia can be worn. Although Calihan Hall is not air-conditioned, fans will be used to circulate the air. Dress accordingly. With 7,000 + graduates, faculty and guests, depending on the weather, it may be warm. Since you will be standing in line and marching both in and out-of-doors for over an hour, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Gown decoration is strictly limited to university, college and school honor regalia. A listing of the approved items may be obtained from your college/school office or the Office of the Registrar. Caps should not contain adornments or messages. Candidates whose caps and gowns do not comply with the academic standards will not be permitted into the arena. You may not wear a cap and gown from another institution.