Regalia and Attire

Prepare for Your Commencement Ceremony

Commencement is a milestone achievement, and dressing the part is a vital tradition at WSU Vancouver. All graduates participating in in-person ceremonies are required to wear traditional caps and gowns. This academic regalia serves as a symbol of your hard work and dedication to your field of study. Whether you are receiving an undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degree, ensuring your attire meets university standards allows you to focus on celebrating your success with peers, faculty and family.

To guarantee a seamless experience, all regalia must be ordered through Herff Jones. Students should coordinate their orders early to ensure all items arrive in time for the ceremony. From selecting the correct tassel color to understanding the proper placement of honor cords and stoles, these guidelines are designed to help you look your best as you walk across the stage to represent the Cougar community.

Questions?

Email: van.registrar@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9565

Ordering and Returns

Traditional caps and gowns are required for all in-person ceremonies. All regalia is ordered through Herff Jones. The Registrar’s Office and The Bookie do not manage these orders; please contact the vendor directly with questions.

  • Order Deadlines: Early orders are eligible for free shipping and pickup at The Bookie.
  • Rental Returns: Rented gowns and hoods must be returned by the designated deadline. Orders shipped to a residence include a prepaid return label. Items picked up at The Bookie must be returned to that location.
Order Regalia Online

Honor Cords and Stoles

  • Honor Cords: Undergraduate students with a 3.5 or higher GPA and at least 30 graded WSU credits receive a custom crimson and silver cord. Eligibility is based on GPA at the time of the ceremony, while final honors are determined after all coursework is evaluated.
  • First-Generation Stoles: WSU Vancouver provides a specific stole for first-generation graduates.
  • Distribution: Honor cords and first-generation stoles are distributed during rehearsal and on the day of the ceremony.
  • Placement: All stoles, sashes and cords should be worn underneath the WSU yoke.

Degree-Specific Guidelines

  • Undergraduates: Wear a black cap and gown with the WSU yoke. Tassels start on the right side and are moved to the left during the ceremony.
  • Master’s Candidates: Arrive at the venue wearing your academic hood. Tassels are worn on the left side.
  • Doctoral Candidates: Tassels are worn on the left. Carry your hood over one arm during the processional; you will be hooded on stage during the ceremony.
A close-up view of a graduate wearing a customized graduation cap at a commencement ceremony

Regalia Guidelines and Tips

These guidelines will help you prepare your regalia and know what to expect during the ceremony.

  • Tassels: Undergraduates wear their tassels on the right side and move them to the left as part of the ceremony. Master’s and doctoral candidates wear their tassels on the left.
  • Stoles, sashes and cords: Wear underneath the crimson and gray WSU yoke.
  • Undergraduates: Wear a black cap and gown with the WSU yoke. See how to wear your cap and gown. Ceremony volunteers will help adjust your regalia.
  • Master’s degree candidates: Arrive wearing your academic hood. Watch how to put it on. Volunteers will be in the gathering area to help with adjustments.
  • Doctoral candidates: Carry your hood over one arm during the processional. You will be hooded on stage as part of the ceremony. Watch how to carry your hood and what to expect during the hooding ceremony.

Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

Find everything you need to prepare for your big day, from preserving your legacy on campus to capturing the perfect photo of your achievement. Explore our frequently asked questions below for details on eligibility, ceremony logistics, and more.

Graduation refers to the completion of your academic requirements and the formal awarding of your degree. Commencement is a celebratory ceremony held in May to recognize and honor students completing academic programs.

If you graduated in December 2024, you are eligible to participate. If you are graduating in May 2025, you must apply by March 7 to be included in the program and ceremony. Summer graduates: If you are graduating in July 2025, apply to graduate by March 7 to be included in the ceremony.

Yes. GradImages will take professional photos during the ceremony at three points: before you walk across the stage, as you receive your diploma cover, and at the bottom of the ramp before returning to your seat.

Yes. Watch the livestream online to share the moment with friends and family who cannot attend in person.

No. Graduates and guests must arrange their own transportation and parking for the event.

The ceremony itself lasts about two hours. Expect additional time for arrival, check-in, and exiting the parking area after the event.

The ceremony takes place inside the covered section of the Cascades Amphitheater. However, line-up and greeting areas are outdoors, so please prepare for the weather.

No. Degrees are conferred after final grades are posted and requirements verified. Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed in myWSU a few weeks after the term ends.

The ceremony follows a structured order, including the processional, speeches, the awarding of degrees and the recessional. Marshals will direct graduates throughout the event.