Academic Regalia & Graduation Merchandise

Undergraduate and Masters Regalia

Undergraduate and Masters regalia consist of a robe, a cap, a tassel, and a hood with colors indicating the graduate's degree. Graduates may wear what they like underneath the robe.

• As of 2009, undergraduate robes are black with a green strip on the sleeve.  Because of the new style, undergraduates may not borrow or purchase a robe from someone who graduated prior to 2009.
• Masters robes are black with a plain black sleeve.

Undergraduate and Masters regalia are available for purchase only; there is no rental option.

Doctoral Regalia

The William & Mary doctoral regalia consist of a green open-front robe, patterned after those used at Oxford University, and a black velvet tam. Hoods are not worn with Oxford-style robes.  A white shirt/blouse with black slacks/skirt should be worn under the robe.

The doctoral gown and tam are available for either rent or purchase.

Purchasing/Renting Regalia

The William and Mary Bookstore (757-253-4900, x239 ) is the primary contact for all academic regalia and graduation merchandise.

Each spring, the Bookstore holds a Grad Finale in the Sadler Center to provide a one-stop shop for undergraduate and masters regalia and graduation-related items. The Law School holds a similar event for its graduating students at the Law School.   Students who miss the Grad Finale should visit or call the Bookstore to order regalia and other merchandise. 

Doctoral students should visit or call the Bookstore anytime in March to place a rental or purchase order. If you order your gown after the deadline (usually in the first week of April) there is a $10 late charge.

When to Wear Regalia

Saturday

• Undergraduates should wear their caps and gowns (but not hoods) to the Senior Class Candlelight Ceremony on Saturday evening. 
• Regalia is not worn at the Baccalaureate service on Saturday morning.

Sunday

• All graduates should wear their full regalia for the main ceremony and all other events on Sunday.

Other Graduation Merchandise

The Bookstore works with Jostens, the only company licensed to produce class rings and to print the College's official Commencement announcements. Class rings, as well as personalized W&M announcements imprinted with an individual's name and degree, can be purchased online at www.jostens.com. General W&M announcements can be purchased at the Boosktore, usually beginning in mid-March. Framing Success diploma frames can be purchased at the Bookstore all year long.  If you have additional questions about regalia, rings, announcements, or diploma frames, contact the Bookstore at 757-253-4900, x239.

The William & Mary Alumni Gift Shop also offers four styles of diploma frames, as well as personalized jewelry, chairs, lamps, prints, and other College merchandise.  Many items are discounted for Commencement. The gift shop is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be open Commencement Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Note: Each year, families report receiving solicitations from companies other than Jostens. These companies are not licensed to use the College's name and logo, and their printed announcements are different from the official announcements approved by the College. Any questions or concerns about announcements should be directed to the College Bookstore.