Cap & Gown Information
Graduates, please visit the student cap and gown information page.
Faculty and staff must wear caps and gowns at any of the following:
- The main commencement ceremony
- Diploma ceremonies
- The Doctor's Hooding Ceremony
- Phi Beta Kappa initiation ceremony
General Information
Orders are no longer being accepted via the website, but you may still email your order. See below for details.
- Previous years' orders cannot be provided.
- Faculty and staff who did not place their order by April 1 can submit their order via email to cap-gown@andrew.cmu.edu until April 20.
- After April 1, a $10 late fee as well as any rush shipping charges will be applied to the oracle string provided.
- Orders cannot be accepted after April 20.
- 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Doctor's degree candidates who are teaching should follow the instructions for doctor's candidates. Staff who are earning a degree should follow the instructions for students. Please visit the student cap and gown information page for more details.
Rentals
Faculty and staff members may rent caps, gowns and hoods (if applicable) from The University Store. Rental fees are as follows (determined by the highest degree earned by the faculty or staff member):
With the exception of marshals and members of the Platform Group, rental fees are charged to the academic department and an oracle string must be provided when ordering.
All charges can be paid via the cap and gown order website. Only an Oracle string is accepted.
| Highest Degree Earned |
Cap, Gown and Tassel Rental Cost |
Hood Rental Cost | Replacement Cost for Unreturned Items |
| Bachelor’s | $25 | N/A | $135 |
| Master’s | $26 | $26 | $160 for cap and gown; $125 for hood |
| Doctor’s | $42 | $27 | $270 for cap and gown; $170 for hood |
*Faculty members may also rent only a tam for $16. The replacement cost is $70. To place an order for only a tam, please call 412-268-3004.
**All items must be returned together to be considered complete.
Questions? Contact The University Store at 412-268-3004 or cap- gown@andrew.cmu.edu.
Additional Cap and Gown Information
Custom-Made Regalia:
For faculty and staff with a doctorate from Carnegie Mellon, custom-made regalia is available for purchase at The University Store. Prices begin at $807 and production time is 4 - 7 weeks. Please call 412-268-3004 to place your order.
Bulk Orders and Returns:
- Bulk orders can be submitted via the cap and gown order site.
- In order to pick up a bulk order, please email cap-gown@andrew.cmu.edu with the list of names no later than Friday, April 27.
- When picking up bulk orders, please bring your own boxes or bags for transporting the regalia.
- Please only send a faculty member, staff member or student worker from your department to pick up regalia. Items will not be given to dry cleaners.
- For bulk returns, each set of regalia must be in a separate bag labeled with the faculty or staff member's name. Otherwise, the oracle string provided will be charged the full price of the item(s).
- Bulk returns will be accepted at cap and gown return through Wednesday, May 23. After Wednesday, May 23, only two returns will be allowed from your department each day. All returns must be made by Friday, June 1.
Faculty and Staff Distribution:
Commencement Weekend DistributionMcKenna, Peter, Wright Rooms, second floor, University Center
Thursday, May 17, 2012 – FACULTY AND STAFF ONLY
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- NOTE: Students may not pick up orders at this time.
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- NOTE: To avoid the long line, faculty and staff should refrain from picking up orders at this time.
- 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
- 7:30 – 11 a.m.
Faculty & Staff Returns:
McKenna, Peter, Wright Rooms, second floor, University CenterSunday, May 20, 2012
- Noon – 5 p.m.
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday – Friday
- Closed Saturday and Sunday
Cap and Gown Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Measurements
How do I determine my head measurement? What is my cap size?
To find your cap size, wrap a measuring tape around your head approximately 1" above your eyebrows. In the order form, select the size that most closely matches that measurement.
What if I don't have a tape measure to determine my cap size?
To take the measurement, wrap string or yarn around your head approximately 1" above your eyebrows. Compare the length of string needed to wrap around your head to a ruler. In the order form, select the size that most closely matches that measurement.
The University Store associates can assist you with a measurement during regular store hours.
What is a typical measurement?
Measurements are typically around 22 to 24 inches. 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?
Convert your weight from kilograms to pounds using the following formula:
(k=kilograms, p=pounds)
k(2.2) = p
FAQ Deadlines/Ordering
What is the deadline for reserving a cap and gown?
April 1, 2012.
What can I do if I didn't order my cap and gown by the April 1 deadline?
Faculty and staff may submit orders to cap-gown@andrew.cmu.edu until April 20. Orders cannot be accepted after this date.
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: andrewid (incorrect) vs. andrewuserid@andrew.cmu.edu or andrewuserid@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 by going to: https://www.cmu.edu/myandrew. On the left menu bar, click "Increase My Quota."
FAQ Distribution/Returns
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. See additional cap and gown information for times and locations.
Do I need to bring anything with me to pick up my cap and gown (and hood, if applicable)?
Yes, please bring your staff ID.
Do I need to return my cap and gown? Where?
All rented items need to be returned during return hours. See additional cap and gown information for times and locations. Otherwise, the oracle string provided will be charged the replacement cost(s).