Regalia and Keepsakes

All eligible students, and faculty, who plan to participate in school celebrations and Commencement on the National Mall must wear regalia; active service members may wear their dress uniform in lieu of regalia. You are not required to purchase from the university’s preferred vendor(*).

Additional purchases such as stoles, announcements, diploma frames, yearbooks, and class rings are not required to graduate or participate in Commencement Week events. Visit the Honors section of our School Celebrations page for information about recognition for Latin or academic honors. 

Student Regalia

Online regalia sales begin November 10, 2026. Early bird pricing ends December 8 and online sales close March 25.

Note: At Commencement on the National Mall President Granberg will invite students to move their tassel from the right to the left when degrees are conferred.

Standard bachelor's regalia consists of a cap, gown, and tassel, as academic hoods are traditionally reserved for master's and doctoral candidates. If you need a size other than one listed on the regalia website, please contact our sales representative, Chris Blaum, at [email protected].

Graduates may reference a list of faculty (hood) colors associated with GW’s majors.

Faculty Regalia Purchases and Rentals

We encourage faculty to participate in their school celebrations and Commencement on the National Mall. You must register when registration opens in late March and provide your own regalia.

Faculty may purchase or rent regalia online. The regalia should represent the university where you received your last, or your highest, degree. Please be sure that you order from the “Fine Quality Regalia” section.

You may rent regalia from the Campus Store starting in April. Rentals are in-person only. Inventory is limited and not guaranteed.

(*) If purchased from another vendor, regalia should be navy blue or black and appropriate for the degree being awarded during Commencement Week.

(**) Hoods for doctoral students only.