Cap & Gown
Cap and Gown Rental
Graduates must wear appropriate apparel in order to participate in Commencement ceremonies. Caps, gowns, and academic hoods are rented from the UC Davis Bookstore beginning in March. Please see the UC Davis Bookstore about caps and gowns for more information.
Returning Caps and Gowns
Gowns must be returned immediately following your Commencement ceremony. The gown collection station will be located either at the ceremony site or designated reception site following the ceremony.
Late Fee
Gowns not returned either at the ceremony or to the UC Davis Bookstore by the first Monday following the ceremony will be assessed a daily late charge beginning the following Tuesday.
Purchase of Regalia
The UC Davis Bookstore offers commencement apparel for sale to master's and doctoral students and faculty. See the UC Davis Bookstore Web site about regalia for pricing and information, or e-mail questions to the Bookstore's Commencement Coordinator.
Wearing Academic Dress
The cap is worn with the long point of the shell to the rear. The black tassel on the master's candidate's cap and the gold tassel on the doctoral cap are worn to the left, signifying the possession of an academic degree. However, when crossing the stage, please wear the tassel on the right for photographic purposes.
It is customary for those wishing to demonstrate respect for their country to remove their caps during the national anthem or when the U.S. flag is passing.
Lightweight clothing is usually worn under the gown. Coats are not necessary for men, but a shirt and tie improve the appearance of the gown. A button-up blouse/shirt is recommended for ease in affixing the hood.
Graduate Studies will provide hosts/hostesses to assist with academic garb.
The master's gown (left) is designed with an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The sleeve base hangs down in the traditional manner. The rear part of its oblong shape is square-cut and the front part has an arc cut away.
The doctoral gown (right) has velvet facings on its front panels and three velvet chevrons on each sleeve. The University of California authorizes recipients of the Ph.D. degree earned on any of its campuses to wear an academic gown of admiral blue.
The hood worn by those receiving the master's or doctoral degree hangs to the rear from the neck and is fastened to shirt buttons by an elastic cord. To avoid wearing the hood inside out, make sure that the velvet facing of the hood is visible under the chin and lies flat over the shoulders. Doctoral candidates do not wear their hoods during the line-up and procession. The hoods will be invested on stage by the Graduate Studies Associate Deans.