Caps and Gowns: How-To Guide

Students are required to wear a cap and gown to Commencement and Convocation ceremonies. The University of Oklahoma is proud to unveil the new gowns especially designed for all OU graduates. The bachelor's and 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. Purchase OU cap and gown.

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

1. Put the hood on over head with velvet side up and the small tapered end in front. There is not a velvet side on Honors or Academic Distinction hoods, so either side up is acceptable.
2. Attach the loop at the end of the tapered end. Secure cord across the back. Some hoods do not come with a button loop or cord on the back.
3. Turn out lining colors. Graduates wear only the hood indicating the highest degree and honor. The crimson honors hood takes precedence over the gold Academic Distinction hood. Master's hoods for joint undergraduate/master's programs would be worn rather than the Academic Distinction or Honors hood.

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