Caps and Gowns: How-To Guide

Students are required to wear a cap and gown to Commencement andConvocation ceremonies. The University of Oklahoma is proud to unveilthe new gowns especially designed for all OU graduates. The bachelor'sand master's gowns include the OU Seal on the left chest. The doctoral gowns include crimson bars of velvet on the sleeve and a crimson facing of velvet down the front.

Academic Hood is a traditional accessory associated with graduate degrees and graduating with honors.

1. Putthe hood on over head with velvet side up and the small tapered end infront. There is not a velvet side on Honors or Academic Distinctionhoods, so either side up is acceptable.
2. Attach the loop at theend of the tapered end. Secure cord across the back. Some hoods do notcome with a button loop or cord on the back.
3. Turn out liningcolors. Graduates wear only the hood indicating the highest degree andhonor. The crimson honors hood takes precedence over the gold AcademicDistinction hood. Master's hoods for joint undergraduate/master'sprograms would be worn rather than the Academic Distinction or Honorshood.

Tassels are worn on theright front side before degrees are conferred. Move the tassels to theleft front side once degrees are conferred. The colors of tassels,hoods and robes symbolize degrees earned and the graduate’s area ofstudy. Persons receiving two degrees: decide on one tassel to wear or as an alternative, wear a black tassel.