Graduates' Dress and Adornment

DRESS: Graduates are reminded that Baccalaureate and Commencement are joyous but dignified occasions during which family members and friends manifest justifiable pride in their graduates. They preserve the occasion through video recordings and still photographs that become part of family histories. Graduates are expected to dress appropriately. While cool clothing and low-heeled, comfortable shoes are advisable, informal clothing and footwear (e.g., shorts, athletic shoes, rubber sandals) are not consistent with the spirit of graduation ceremonies.

CAP AND GOWN: The University's policy is that no "props" may be carried and that no unapproved adornment is worn on the graduating senior's cap or gown. Adornments must be approved by University Marshal Greg Parker.

University-sponsored or recognized student organizations may apply to the University Marshal for permission to wear adornments such as pins, cords, or stoles at the Commencement exercises. Adornments may not contain words or phrases, unless they are the name of the organization or the year of graduation (e.g., Class of 2027). Letters are permitted only if they are representing the name / acronym of social or academic organizations currently recognized by the University. Officially licensed coats of arms or organization logos are permitted. Photos are not permitted Requests for approval should be made to the University Marshal no later than December 20.  

Please click on this link to seek approval of adornments: https://go.wlu.edu/adornmentshub. Note that only ONE representative of an organization (usually the President or Vice-President) should seek approval for the entire organization's adornments. The submission form will ask for the name of the student organization, the type of adornment (e.g., cords, stoles), a short description of how students will receive the regalia, a link to photos of the adornment and the adornment being worn, and a short description of the significance of the adornment.

Personal adornment such as decorations or messages on mortarboards and gowns, or props such as canes or pick axes are not allowed. A word about leis: because of the cultural significance of the lei to students of Native Hawaiian descent, they may request the University Marshal's approval to wear a traditional lei at Commencement. Otherwise, leis should not be worn.

Graduates who appear at the undergraduate Baccalaureate or law or undergraduate Commencement lineup with unapproved adornment will be asked by student or faculty marshals to remove it. The University Marshal has the authority to prevent anyone in unapproved adornment from processing.

FOOD AND DRINK: Graduates may not bring beverages or food to Baccalaureate or Commencement. University staff place bottled water under each graduate's chair.