All graduates must wear a cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. Ensure your academic regalia reflects your intended degree by reserving through the University Book Store.
How do I order a cap and gown?
For Winter 2025 Commencement, orders can be placed through the University Book Store from September 8 to November 7 for an early Badger discount. After November 7, you can place your order up until the day of commencement.
Where do I pick up and return my cap and gown?
Cap and gown rentals can be picked up at the University Book Store (711 State Street). Academic attire (cap and gown) is required to participate in the ceremony.
Academic attire returns may be done during regular store hours at any University Book Store location. All returns must be completed by 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 16. Returns not completed by this date will incur a $20 service fee.
Questions about cap and gown rental should be directed to the University Book Store at 608-257-3784, extension 5924.
Learn more about the UW’s academic attire
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Caps and tassels
Candidates for the bachelor’s degree wear the black mortarboard cap with tassels of their course color. The tassel is worn on the right side until the formal conferral of the degree. At this time, the tassel is moved from the right to the left side. Doctoral and terminal degree candidates wear an eight-sided black tam with a gold tassel. Master’s degree candidates wear black mortarboard caps with black tassels on the left side. Some holders of degrees from other countries or institutions wear special hats that are distinctive to their degree.
Gowns
Gowns represent the three principal levels of academic achievement. The bachelor’s gown, symbolizing the first degree, is made of black material and has a closed front and long, pointed, open sleeves. Master’s candidates wear a black gown with a closed front and long, closed sleeves. The gown worn by doctoral candidates has an open front with bell-shaped sleeves. Doctoral gowns are further embellished with velvet trim in the form of crossbars on the sleeves. In spring 2017, the gown designs were updated to include the University of Wisconsin–Madison colors and crest logo, providing both a pop of red among the traditional sea of black and an additional display of UW spirit that’s recognizable to all.
Honors and distinctive scholastic achievement
Bachelor’s degree candidates with distinctive scholastic achievement wear cardinal stoles over the fronts of their gowns. Bachelor’s degree candidates participating in an honors program wear white stoles with cardinal chevrons.
Deans’ offices will notify students who are selected for Distinctive Scholastic Achievement and Honors. Stoles may be obtained at the University Book Store. Candidates will receive an indication of their achievement with a symbol next to their name in the commencement program.
Hoods
Academic hoods are used as a further means of identifying the level of degree attainment. The bachelor’s hood, worn only by those who have previously received a baccalaureate degree, is rather short with a narrow velvet edging the color of the appropriate discipline and a lining in the color of the institution — cardinal at Wisconsin. The master’s hood is considerably longer, has a wider velvet edging, and exposes more of the lining. Doctoral hoods have the widest velvet edging, wide panels at either side, greater length, and a fully exposed lining.
Academic colors
Undergraduate tassel colors
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
- Maize
College of Engineering
- Orange
College of Letters & Science
- Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics; Science: Lemon
- Arts (including Humanities, Letters); Liberal Studies: White
- Journalism: Cardinal
- Landscape Architecture: Blue/Violet
- Music: Pink
- Social Work: Citron
School of Business
- Yale
School of Education
- Art; Art Education; Fine Arts; Theatre and Drama: Brown
- Dance; Kinesiology; Physical Education: Sage Green
- Education; Education Studies; Health Promotion and Health Equity; Rehabilitation Psychology: Light Blue
School of Human Ecology
- Maroon
School of Nursing
- Apricot
School of Pharmacy
- Olive Green
Graduate and professional hoods
- Doctor of Audiology: Sage Green
- Doctor of Juridical Science: Purple
- Doctor of Law (Juris Doctor): Purple
- Doctor of Medicine: Kelly Green
- Doctor of Musical Arts: Pink
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: Apricot
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy: Sage Green
- Doctor of Pharmacy: Olive Green
- Doctor of Philosophy: Blue
- Doctor of Physical Therapy: Sage Green
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Gray
- Educational Specialist: Sage Green
- Master of Accountancy: Yale
- Master of Arts: White
- Master of Business Administration: Yale
- Master of Engineering: Orange
- Master of Fine Arts: Brown
- Master of Genetic Counselor Studies: Kelly Green
- Master of International Public Affairs: Teal
- Master of Laws: Purple
- Master of Medicine: Kelly Green
- Master of Music: Pink
- Master of Physicians Assistant Studies: Kelly Green
- Master of Public Affairs: Teal
- Master of Public Health: Salmon
- Master of Science: Golden
- Master of Science-Business: Yale
- Master of Social Work: Citron