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Caps, Gowns, and Attire

Find key details on required attire, timelines, and what to expect as you get ready to celebrate this milestone at Drake University.

Caps, Gowns, and Attire

Academic attire is an important part of Commencement, symbolizing both tradition and achievement. From ordering caps and gowns to understanding degree‑specific regalia requirements, this information helps ensure you’re prepared to participate fully and confidently in the ceremony.

Regalia Ordering Process

Students graduating in Spring/Summer 2026 must follow the steps below to order and collect their regalia.

Important Dates

  • Regalia Begins to be Available: March 25th, 2026
  • Regalia Ordering Deadline: April 24th, 2026
  • Spring 2026 Grad Fair: March 25th 2026 10AM - 4PM

The Grad Fair is a great opportunity for you to pick up your regalia, view class rings, announcements and diplomas, visit with Student Alumni Association, and ask any questions of Bulldog Shop staff and Registrar staff regarding commencement.

Purchasing Regalia

  • All Spring and Summer 2026 graduates can begin to purchase on March 1st online. Pick up regalia at the Grad Fair on March 25th. Shipments will begin going out on March 26th. 
  • If you are ordering after the Grad Fair, please visit the Bulldog Shop or their website directly to place an order. 
  • Note: Payment is due at the time of ordering. Regalia is shipped directly to the student.  
  • Review the Commencement Curriculum Chart to determine which curriculum to choose. 
  • Note: Students earning two degrees at the same or different ceremonies should wear the regalia of the highest degree they are earning. Students earning two degrees at the same ceremony should wear the tassel color associated with the degree of the college/school they plan to sit with during the ceremony.

Additional Information

Student Regalia Pricing
Product Price
Bachelor's/Associates Bundle (includes cap, gown, & tassel) $58.00
Master's Bundle (includes cap, gown, & tassel) $53.00
Doctoral Bundle (includes cap, gown, & tassel) $72.00
Master's Hood $45.00
Doctoral Hood $64.00

Faculty Regalia Pricing
Product Price
Bachelor's/Associates Bundle (includes cap, gown, & tassel) $35.00
Master's Bundle (includes cap, gown, & tassel) $37.00
Doctoral Bundle (includes cap, gown, & tassel) $55.00
Bachelor's Hood $35.00
Master's Hood $34.00
Doctoral Hood $39.00
Rental tam added to unit $34.00

Each student will receive a tassel with their purchase of appropriate color based upon their degree within their school or college. Students with two degrees may purchase the extra tassel, but only one tassel may be worn during the ceremony.

The colors associated with the different disciplines are as follows:

Program Tassel Color
Journalism Crimson
Philosophy Dark Blue
Arts, Letters General Studies White
Law Purple
Physical Education Sage Green
Business and Commerce Drab
Public Administration Peacock Blue
Occupational Therapy Slate
Science Golden Yellow
Education Light Blue
Music Pink
Social Work Citron
Fine Arts Brown
Pharmacy Olive Green

Additional Ornamentation

Honor medallions are worn only by those students graduating in the University Honors Program (medallions are provided at the ceremony). Students can wear honor cords for being awarded Latin honors (Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude) for Bachelor’s degree students. CPHS professional students may wear cords for being awarded CPHS Academic Honors as outlined on this page. Academic honor cords or pins may be worn if earned from a Drake college or school-recognized academic organization. Leadership of the particular academic organization will inform the President’s Committee on Commencement (PCC) of the academic honor item.

Registered Student Organizations

Registered Student Organizations (R.S.O.) may propose an organizational stole to the Office of Student Inclusion, Involvement, and Leadership (S.I.I.L.). The stole will express cultural expression and identity appropriate for the R.S.O. The S.I.I.L. Office will inform the President's Committee on Commencement (P.C.C.) of the requested stole design. The P.C.C. needs to review and approve the stole to be worn, which is then subject to approval by the University President. The R.S.O. must be in good standing with the University at the time of the Commencement Ceremony. The stole design and intent must align with the Mission, Vision, and Non-Discrimination Statement of the University. Students may wear only one stole per ceremony.

Additional Ornamentation

Any additional ornamentation must receive prior approval by the President's Committee on Commencement (PCC). Note that decorated caps are not permitted.

  • We strongly recommend that you remove your regalia from its packaging after pick-up to allow any wrinkles to smooth out before the ceremony. Be sure to attach your tassel to your cap/tam to ensure it is not lost before the ceremony.
  • Ensure you pick up your regalia before Commencement day, as there will be no on-site distribution.

Questions?
Please reach out to the Bulldog Shop with any questions or concerns at 515-214-2151.