Cap & Gown 101

How to Order Regalia & Name Cards

Regalia includes your cap, gown, hood, tassel and cords.

How do I receive my cap, gown & hood?

• Place your order online. Herff Jones will ship your order to a specified address. The deadline to order online HAS BEEN EXTENED TO April 7, 2025.
• JWU does not have a graduation fee; however, students must purchase their cap, gown & hood:
• 2025 associate degree regalia (cap, gown and tassel): $43
• 2025 bachelor’s degree regalia (cap, gown, tassel and hood): $75

How do I wear my graduation regalia?

• To remove wrinkles, tumble dry your gown on low in a dryer and then place it on a hanger. Do NOT iron.
• Under the gown, wear professional attire with comfortable dress shoes.
• ear the tassel (included with your cap) on the front-right of the cap.
• Place the hood over your shoulders and then unfold to expose the colors.

Who receives a graduation cord? How and when?

• A cord is a rope-like strand worn during graduation to represent an academic achievement, affiliation, or legacy.
• An undergraduate degree recipient with a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA as of the end of the fall semester will receive a Gold Cord. The Gold Cord can be picked up in the Student Academic Services office or at Bojangles when you arrive for the ceremony on May 1, 2025.
• An undergraduate degree recipient who participated in cocurricular activities designated by university parameters will receive a Blue & White Cord. These will be distributed by the appropriate program director.
• An undergraduate degree receipent who is a veteran will receive a Red, White & Blue Cord to honor their military service. These will be distributed by the Veteran Coodinator.

Who receives a graduation stole?

A stole is a decorative sash worn during graduation to represent a student’s academic achievements, extracurriculars, and other affiliations.

An undergraduate degree recipient completing all Honors Program requirements and having a 3.4 or higher GPA at the end of the fall semester will receive an Honors Gold Stole (given out by the program director).

Rings and Announcements

If interested, class rings and announcements are available for purchase from Herff Jones.

Name Cards

What is a Name Card? Where do I get it? What do I do with it?

• A Name Card is used to announce your name when you cross the commencement stage.
• Name cards are distributed when you check in for the ceremony on May 1. I
• To make sure your name is pronounced correctly, write clearly and directly on your card the best way to pronounce your name.

What name gets printed on my Name Card and in the Commencement Program?

Your name will match what’s listed on your Graduation Application, which you can view in jwuLink.

What if I prefer to use a different first name (other than my legal name) on my Name Card and/or in the Commencement Program?

Submit the Graduation Name in Use Form by April 4, 2025.