Caps and Gowns
Degree candidates must wear caps and gowns if they are planning to attend any of the following:
- The main commencement ceremony
- A diploma ceremony
- Phi Beta Kappa initiation ceremony
- The Doctor’s Hooding Ceremony
Cap and gown orders are no longer being accepted. Degree candidates who did not place their order by the April 1 deadline will need to arrive as early as possible on the first day of cap and gown distribution (Wednesday, May 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) in order to obtain a cap and gown. Every effort will be made to accommodate you, however, distribution is first-come, first-served and appropriate sizes cannot be guaranteed for those who did not order by April 1.
Below is information specific to each degree.
Bachelor’s
- All bachelor’s students attending the main commencement ceremony, a diploma ceremony or the Phi Beta Kappa initiation ceremony must order a cap and gown.
- There is no charge for the caps and gowns for bachelor’s students and they do not need to be returned.
Master’s
- All master’s students attending the main commencement ceremony or a diploma ceremony must order a cap, gown and hood.
- There is no charge for the caps and gowns for master’s students and they do not need to be returned.
- A $125 deposit for the hood is required at cap and gown pick-up.
- Deposits are payable via a MasterCard or Visa only.
- If master’s students wish to keep their hoods, the deposit will cover the cost.
- If master’s students do not wish to keep their hoods, they must return them during the cap and gown return hours (see below).
Doctor’s
- All doctor’s candidates attending the main commencement ceremony, a diploma ceremony or the Doctor’s Hooding Ceremony must order a cap, gown and hood.
- A $135 deposit for the hood is required at cap and gown pick-up. Hoods are reserved when ordering caps and gowns.
- An additional $140 deposit for a rented cap and gown is required at cap and gown pick-up.
- Deposits are payable via a MasterCard or Visa only.
- Please note that Doctor’s degree candidates are hooded at a separate Doctor’s Hooding Ceremony on Saturday evening and therefore they will not receive a hood when picking up their cap and gown.
- Doctor’s candidates who do not attend the hooding ceremony on Saturday, but would like to wear their hoods at the main commencement ceremony on Sunday, can pick them up at the cap and gown distribution area on Sunday only (see below).
- If doctor’s candidates wish to keep their hoods, the deposit will cover the cost.
- If doctor’s candidates do not wish to keep their hoods, they must return them during the cap and gown return hours (see below).
- Custom-made regalia can be purchased in person at The University Store and prices start at $836. Samples are available for viewing in The University Store and production time is approximately 4 – 7 weeks.
- For those candidates who do not with to purchase custom-made regalia, caps and gowns will be available for rental.
- All rented caps and gowns must be returned during cap and gown return hours (see below). The $140 cap and gown deposit will not be refunded for unreturned caps and gowns.
Distribution:
McKenna/Peter/Wright Room, second floor, University Center
Wednesday, May 14: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 15: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday, May 16: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 17: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., 6 - 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 18: 7 - 11 a.m.
Return:
McKenna/Peter/Wright Room, second floor, University Center
Sunday, May 18: Noon - 6 p.m.
Monday, May 19: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
After Monday, May 19 and until Monday, June 2, returns can be made directly to The University Store. No returns will be accepted and no refunds will be issued after June 2.
Please contact cap-gown@andrew.cmu.edu with any questions.
Cap and Gown Frequently Asked Questions
Measurements
How do I determine my head measurement? What is my cap size?
In order to find your cap size you’ll need a measuring tape. To take the measurement, wrap the tape around your head approximately 1” above your eyebrows. In the order form, select the size that most closely matches the measurement that you took with the measuring tape.
What if I don’t have a tape measure to determine my cap size?
You can still take the measurement yourself using string or yarn and then a ruler with inches marked on it. If you are using the string method, do the following:
To take the measurement, wrap the string around your head approximately 1” above your eyebrows. Compare the length of string needed to wrap around your head to your ruler or yard stick. Compare this measurement to the cap size menu on the web order form. In the order form, select the size that most closely matches the measurement you took.
In addition, you can come to The University Store and have an associate assist you with a measurement during regular store hours.
What is a typical measurement?
Normal measurements are usually around 22 to 24 inches. Although there will be some larger or smaller measurements, a measurement far outside the norm of 22 to 24 inches may be off.
I don’t know my weight in pounds. What should I do?
You can convert your weight from kilograms to pounds using the following formula:
(k=kilograms, p=pounds)
k(2.2) = p
I don’t know my height in feet and inches. What should I do?
To convert centimeters to inches, multiply by 0.394.
This will only yield the number of inches, so you’ll need to divide that figure by 12 in order to find the number of feet because each foot is made up of 12 inches.
For example, if you are 170 cm tall—or 1.7 meters tall, then you would calculate like this
170 x 0.394 = 66.98 (or 67 inches)
12 goes into 67 five times with 7 left over, so someone who is 170 cm tall is approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall. This would be indicated as 5’7”.
Deadlines/Ordering
What is the deadline for reserving a cap and gown?
April 1, 2008.
What can I do if I didn’t order my cap and gown by the April 1 deadline?
Plan to show up early during distribution hours as listed on the commencement Web site at the McKenna/Peter/Wright Room in the University Center and every effort will be made to accommodate you. However, it is first-come, first-served and we cannot guarantee appropriate sizes for those who do not order by April 1.
Should I expect to receive a confirmation email?
Yes. If you have not received a confirmation email, first check your portal page, which should list your reservation. If you see your reservation but have not received an email, please see the following FAQ.
Why did I not receive a confirmation email?
There are two possible reasons for this. If you didn’t enter the full version of your email address on the web reservation form, there may have been an error. Be sure that you enter the complete address. Ex: studentname (incorrect) vs. studentname@andrew.cmu.edu or studentname@cmu.edu (correct)
The second reason may be that you are over quota in your email data storage. Consider deleting a number of items or increasing your quota. You can do this by going to: https://www.cmu.edu/myandrew. On the left menu bar, click “Increase My Quota.”
Hood Information
What is a hood and why do I need one?
A hood is a garment worn around the neck and down the back. You need one if you are receiving a Master’s degree or a Doctorate. There are multiple types of hoods. At Carnegie Mellon, we only distribute hoods to Master’s and Doctoral candidates. On each hood is a band of colored velvet, most visible at the neck. The width of the velvet band denotes the level of the degree conferred while the color implies the field of study.
On Masters’ hoods, the color of the velvet denotes the discipline in which your degree is being awarded. For instance, someone graduating with a degree in engineering will find that the velvet color is orange, whereas one graduating with a degree in science will have a gold band. The way your degree reads is what will determine the color of your velvet.
Doctoral hoods typically feature a broader velvet band. At Carnegie Mellon, we only issue two kinds of Doctoral degrees, despite the fact that the area of study could well be in most any discipline. This is because, with only a few exceptions, Doctoral degrees at Carnegie Mellon are a PhD, which stands for “Doctor of Philosophy.” This PhD could have a concentration in any field. Even if your study is in engineering, you will still have a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering. Because the color which denotes Philosophy is blue, most Doctoral hoods at Carnegie Mellon will feature a blue velvet band. The rare exception will feature a white velvet band.
All hoods display the university colors down the back on a portion of the hood usually referred to as the “lining.” At Carnegie Mellon, we use the Tartan. The fabric holding the whole hood together and promoting proper drape is usually referred to as the “backing” and it is usually black.
How do I order a hood?
Hoods require a deposit of $125 for Master's hoods and $135 for Doctoral hoods. You must pay your deposit using a Visa or Mastercard at the time you pick up your cap and gown. Please note that the credit card/debit card you place the deposit on will be the card that is refunded. For your security, we cannot accept cash or checks. We cannot accept American Express or Discover. We cannot accept payment over the web.
Distribution/Return
Where do I pick up my cap and gown (and hood, if applicable)?
The McKenna/Peter/Wright Room on the second floor of the University Center, during the distribution times. Visit distribution for more information.
Do I need to bring anything with me to pick up my cap and gown (and hood, if applicable)?
Yes, please bring your student ID. If you are picking up a hood, be sure to bring a Visa or Mastercard.
Do I need to return my cap and gown? Where?
Only doctor's candidates need to return their cap and gown (and hood, if applicable). Beginning after the main commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18 and through Monday, May 19, returns are accepted in the McKenna/Peter/Wright Room. After Monday, May 19 and until Monday, June 2, returns will be accepted at The University Store. No returns will be accepted nor refunds given after this date.
What if I have to leave town right after the ceremony and don’t have time to return my cap, gown (and hood, if applicable)?
You may have a friend or parent return it for you. However, please remember that when returning a hood, the credit card/debit card you place the deposit on will be the card that is refunded. You should take this into consideration when you pick up your hood. There are tracking numbers on the hoods, so we will know whose hood is returned.
Please be sure to KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS! You’ll need your receipts to get your refund and you should also keep your refund receipt for your records.
If you have further questions or need additional information, please call 412-268-8173 or email cap-gown@andrew.cmu.edu.
