COMMENCEMENT

Frequently Asked Questions About Cap and Gown Orders

Must I obtain academic regalia to participate in commencement?

All students who plan to join the academic procession must obtain and wear the appropriate regalia from the university bookstore.

How much does the cap and gown cost me?

All graduates earning a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree will have the opportunity to purchase their souvenir cap and gown at a discounted price at the GRAD FAIR on March 26 and 27. Professional or Doctoral degree recipients will also purchase their rental regalia at a discounted price.

The fee for purchasing/renting regalia is as follows:

Contact the University Bookstore at (216) 368-2650 for professional/doctoral regalia purchase pricing.

Refer to the GRAD FAIR page or contact the University Bookstore at (216) 368 - 2650 for detailed pricing information.

What is the GRAD FAIR?

On March 26 and 27, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m, Case Western Reserve University will hold its annual GRAD FAIR at the University Bookstore located inside the Thwing Student Center. Students earning either a Bachelor's or Master's degree are encouraged to purchase their souvenir regalia at the GRAD FAIR. Students earning a Professional or Doctoral degree are also invited to attend the GRAD FAIR, but are required to register online to reserve their cap and gown. Other Commencement items including graduation announcements, diploma frames and class rings will be available for purchase.

How does my cap and gown arrive from the manufacturer?

Each individual cap and gown order arrives pre-sorted with a copy of the order attached to it. Each order contains the cap and gown which correspond with the sizes indicated on the graduate's form, plus their tassle and, in the case of graduate and professional students, the appropriate academic hood.

What do the colors on the hood signify?

The colors on the inside of the hood (blue and gray) indicate that the graduate wearing the hood earned his or her degree from Case Western Reserve University. The colored velvet on the outside of the hood indicates in what discipline the degree was earned. For your information, please see the list below of disciplines and their corresponding academic hood colors (not all programs listed are offered at Case Western Reserve University):

• Agriculture: Maize
• Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
• Commerce, Accountancy, Business: Drab
• Dentistry: Lilac
• Economics: Copper
• Education: Light Blue
• Engineering: Orange
• Fine Arts, including Architecture: Brown
• Law: Purple
• Library Science: Lemon
• Medicine: Green
• Music: Pink
• Nursing: Apricot
• Oratory (Speech): Silver Gray
• Pharmacy: Olive Green
• Philosophy: Dark Blue
• Physical Education: Sage Green
• Public Administration, including Foreign Service: Peacock Blue
• Public Health: Salmon Pink
• Science: Golden Yellow
• Social Work: Citron
• Theology: Scarlet
• Veterinary Science: Gray

What if my cap and gown do not fit?

Although this is unlikely since your order is customized, in the event that your regalia doesn't fit, return to the University Bookstore to exchange it. Your gown should have a length that falls around the midpoint of your lower leg between your knee and your ankle, and your cap should fit well but not be excessively loose or tight.

Is my cap and gown going to be ready to wear, right out of the package?

There is no need to have your cap and gown dry-cleaned or hand-washed; all regalia is clean upon arrival. However, it is strongly recommended that your gown be ironed or steamed before the ceremony.

Is this site secure?

Yes, the order forms are password protected, and the site is secure.

What are the hours for the bookstore during Commencement weekend?

The bookstore will be open Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What if I still have questions?

Please contact the Commencement Office, (216) 368 - 2229. Email address: commencement@case.edu.