From Head to Toe
Students are encouraged to personalize their caps. Be creative and have fun!
Announcements and Class Rings
Announcements and class rings may be personalized and ordered online at Belfour. 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 8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
and Saturday from 10:00 am -2:00 p.m.
Additional Adornments
The Commencement Appeals Committee has identified the following criteria for requests to wear additional adornments:
Students may wear one stole that conveys affinity with an association or group. That stole 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.”
The request to obtain approval for an affinity stole to be worn at this year’s commencement must be received no later than Friday, March 31. Purchases prior to receiving approval from the Commencement Appeals Committee are not recommended. Requests should come directly to the Commencement Appeals Committee Chair, Dr. Rita Dunston (rdunston@umw.edu) and should CC the faculty or staff sponsor as evidence of their support.
Graduates who complete requirements for the University Honors Program wear the blue stole pictured on the left. This stoles are presented by the Honors Program.
Student who are the first in their family to complete a Bachelor’s degree are offered the opportunity to wear a First Generation stole. Please complete a brief survey (https://academics.umw.edu/registrar/first-in-family-stoles/) to request a stole by April 21, 2023 for the upcoming graduation ceremony. They will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and will not be made available again this year once they are all distributed. Stole pick-up will begin at the UMW Grad Fair on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10 and will continue in Lee Hall 308 for the remainder of the semester. Contact the Student Transition Office if you have questions: 540-654-1939.
Students may be eligible to wear colorful cords denoting University activities and accomplishments outside the classroom. Details are available at the SAE Graduation Cords webpage. 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 are worn over the traditional commencement gown and reflect the degree earned.
Students in the College of Arts and Sciences wear the following hood:
Bachelor of Nursing – apricot
Students in the College of Business wear the following hood:
Bachelor of Science – gold
Students in the College of Education wear the following hood:
Master of Education – light blue
Tips on Wearing Regalia:
The below instructional video provides easy-to-follow steps for dressing in your regalia!