Cap and Gown 

Regalia is the ceremonial attire you will wear during the Commencement ceremony. Once Commencement is over, your regalia is yours to keep! 

Ordering Your Regalia 

You must order your regalia by the assigned deadline to ensure you receive it in time for the Commencement ceremony. The order form and deadlines can be found in your commencement communication via email. 

Commencement Attire 

When dressing for this event, please adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Select attire that complements the academic regalia. Graduates should wear dark-colored shoes and clothing that harmonize with the regalia鈥檚 formality.聽
  • Appropriate聽attire聽includes dresses and/or pantsuits, dark slacks, dark ties, and dark shoes and socks. Please wear flat shoes or wedges. You will be walking across parts of campus and up and downs sets of stairs.
  • Jewelry that 鈥渄angles鈥� or 鈥渏angles鈥� should be avoided.
  • Ensure that the mortarboard (graduation cap) is positioned parallel to the floor (not tipped backwards). The tassel should be draped on the left side.聽
  • Prior to the event, check the academic regalia for proper fit. Your gown should hang smoothly and without wrinkles. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve a neat appearance. 

Cap Decoration Guidelines

The University of West Alabama permits the decoration of mortarboards (cap) for graduation ceremonies. The mortarboard should be worn parallel to the floor with the tassel on the left side.

Only the flat, top surface of the mortarboard may be decorated. Three-dimensional objects are not permitted. Decorations must not contain profanity, references to alcohol or controlled substances, or any offensive, discriminatory, or hateful content.

The University reserves the right to require the removal or modification of any decoration considered inappropriate before a graduate may participate in the ceremony.

Cords and Stoles聽

Academic honor stoles, hoods, cords, and medallions may be worn during the Commencement ceremonies.聽Latin Honor stoles will be provided by the University.

Additional cords and stoles approved for commencement may be purchased through the same ordering link used to purchase commencement regalia, which will be sent to the graduate’s UWA email address.

The University will provide stoles to active and retired military (Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.)

Bringing Your Belongings 

When preparing for the ceremony, remember to minimize what you bring along. Graduates should lock valuables in their vehicle or ask a guest to hold larger items. Keep in mind that there is no storage space, and bags or purses are not to be carries during the procession. We suggest having spare bobby pins and safety pins on hand for securing your mortarboard, tassels and regalia hoods.