Commencement Attire
Cap, Gown, and Hood Rental
All candidates who participate in the commencement exercise must wear the university-approved academic attire. University-approved caps, gowns, tassels, and hoods must be rented from the "Commencement task list” tab via myPurdue. This tab will appear after you apply to graduate and when the task list opens. Please note that the University does not consider 'souvenir' or 'keepsake' gowns acceptable attire for commencement.
Cap and Gown Rental Graduation Packages Brochure
Check the key dates and deadlines page for cap and gown rental deadlines. Delivery cannot be guaranteed for rentals placed after the deadlines.
If you missed the deadline to rent online, caps and gowns may be available at the University Book Store. University Book Store hours may be found on the University Book Store website. Email pcavazos@herffjones.com to purchase an extra tassel, stole, or hood.
When your rental arrives, examine it immediately to verify you have the correct gown, cap, hood (if appropriate), and proper color cap tassel. A complete list of the correct hood and tassel colors can be found on the Hood and Tassel web page.
Return shipping is included with every attire rental. The return label is located inside the box with your rental – DO NOT THROW THIS AWAY. If you need a new return shipping label, click here.
What to keep and what to return:
- Associate and Bachelor rentals: keep the cap, tassel, and stole. Return the GOWN only.
- Master and Doctor rentals: keep the cap and tassel. Return the GOWN and HOOD only.
Herff Jones Non-Return Fees:
- Bachelor = $150
- Master = $350
- Doctor = $500
To ensure a smooth return process, students and faculty will receive four reminder emails: 7 Days Before Ceremony: Friendly reminder about the rental return process 7 Days After Ceremony: Return reminder 21 Days After Ceremony: Second reminder if the gown hasn’t been returned 40 Days After Ceremony: Charge notice if the gown is still unreturned.
Faculty
Participating faculty members should contact the University Book Store at 1-800-347-9618 to rent academic attire. University Book Store hours may be found on the University Book Store website.
Honor Cords
University honor cords will be distributed at check-in on graduation day to those undergraduate or professional degree candidates who are candidates for graduation "with distinction" or "with highest distinction." Click here for GPA standards.
