Commencement Ceremony Do’s and Don’ts
Cap, Gown and Personal Items

GRADUATE CHECK-IN: 3:00 p.m.
Graduates will enter through the Conference Center on the lower level of the Curtis Culwell Center. Graduates must pass through a metal detector and purses and bags will be inspected. You will be asked to return any restricted items to your vehicle. Please arrive dressed in cap and gown. Wear lightweight, professional clothing underneath your gown.

1) How do I take care of my gown?

DO: Place your robe on a hanger immediately.
DON’T: Don’t put gown in a hot dryer or try to iron it.
Can place gown in bathroom while showering and steam will help remove wrinkles.

2) What should I wear underneath the gown?

DO: Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing underneath the gown.
DO: Wear clothes should have at least one pocket to carry essential valuables.
DO: Dress formal or business professional in dark clothing.
For example, women-dress, skirt, pantsuit, etc. Men-shirt, tie, dress pants, etc.

3) What can I bring with me to the Commencement Ceremony?

DO: Leave your belongings at home or with your family or with your friends or in truck of car such as purse, camera, cell phone, etc.

4) How do I wear my cap?

DO: Wear your cap so that the mortarboard is level and parallel to the ceiling.
DON’T: Don’t tip your cap to the back or the side of the head.
DO: Place the crown of the cap approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows and the rest approximately 1-1 ½ inches above each ear.
Consider using bobby pins to secure hat.

5) What is the difference between the front and back of the cap?

DO: Look at the inside of your cap to see where the front of it is indicated.
DO: Place the cap on your head as instructed from Question #1.

6) Can the cap be removed during the Ceremony?

DON’T: Don’t remove the cap at any time during the Commencement Ceremony.
DO: Keep the cap on because it is an essential part of the academic dress and should remain on your head throughout the Ceremony.

7) How do I wear the tassel?

DO: Wear your tassel on the right front side. When the cap is in the correct position on the head, the tassel will hang off the right front cap edge.
DON’T: Don’t allow tassels to hang off the back of the cap. All graduates must wear the tassel on the same side.
During the ceremony the graduates will be instructed to move their tassels to the left to signify the conferring of the degree/certificate.
DO: Wear clothing that allows for your essential valuables such as car keys to be stored and/or placed in the pockets under your gown. Name card will be the only item that you will carry in your hands.

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