Regalia

Commencement Regalia

Purchasing Regalia

Regalia may be purchased at Grad Fair, March 18-19, 2026. Pricing and more details are available on the Schedule page, under “Grad Fair”.

Ordering online more convenient?
Beginning March 20 through Sunday, April 12, 2026, regalia is available for online purchase. A $17.95 home shipping fee and sales tax will be added to each order. Order online (available after March 20).

From Head to Toe

Students are encouraged to personalize their caps.  Be creative and have fun!

Dress comfortably for the weather as we will be outdoors for a couple of hours. In the event of rain, the University will have clear rain ponchos available for graduates.

Announcements and Class Rings

Announcements and class rings may be personalized and ordered online at Balfour.  The UMW Bookstore physically sells announcements for those who choose to purchase in-person, general announcements may be acquired in packets of 10.

The Bookstore is open:

• Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Additional Adornments

Students may be eligible to wear colorful cords denoting University activities and accomplishments outside the classroom. Visit the SAE Graduation Cords page for details. Cords must be purchased through the bookstore. In addition to these cords, students are entitled to wear induction medallions and cords from authorized honor societies. Questions about cords should be directed to Student Activities and Engagement at 540-654-1061 or (SAE@umw.edu).

Regalia Hoods

Regalia Hoods are worn over the traditional commencement gown and reflect the degree earned.

Honors Program Stoles

Graduates who complete requirements for the University Honors Program wear the blue stole. These stoles are presented to graduates by the Honors Program.

First-Generation Stoles

Students who are first‑generation or first‑in‑family to complete a bachelor’s degree are invited to wear a First‑Generation stole over their regalia. Eligible students are those whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree, regardless of whether a sibling has earned a degree. First‑Generation stoles are available for pick up from the STARS Center (Lee Hall 308) beginning March 18 through May 8.

A celebration and induction to Alpha Alpha Alpha, the First-Generation honor society, will be scheduled for April and promoted directly to eligible students. Questions may be directed to Justin Wilkes, Director of the Student Transition, Access, and Retention Services (STARS) at jwilkes@umw.edu.

Affinity Stoles

Effective Thursday, February 22, 2024 the policy regarding affinity stoles have been updated:

Graduating students may wear up to two stoles of their choosing. Every stole must be consistent with the ASPIRE values and may not display derogatory or offensive language, nor should they draw undue attention to an individual person or group that would detract from the ceremony. The stoles may represent, in a professional manner, the service work and leadership skills that you most strongly identified with at UMW. This also can include wearing a stole that fosters inclusivity and cultural responsivity. Commencement is a sponsored academic ceremony; therefore, all regalia and embellishments, with the exception of the cap, are intended to reflect the student’s academic and achievement affiliation while at UMW.