Address & Phone
1 College Hall, Room 211
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7006
Academic Regalia
Cap and Gown Information
Academic regalia is required for degree candidates at Commencement. All candidates who do not possess regalia must obtain their regalia from the Penn Bookstore, located at 36th and Walnut Streets. Detailed information about obtaining regalia will be available in early spring.
Please check back for updated information.
History of Academic Regalia
Like other American colonial colleges, Penn borrowed its 18th-century Commencement rituals directly from the English universities. In England the history of academic dress reaches back to the early days of the oldest schools.
Learn about academic dress from the past
If your regalia will include a stole or cord, you must contact your society or organization to obtain it. Also note that Penn regalia does not include cords to Latin honors (i.e. magna cum laude, etc.).
Articles of clothing that will be visible at the neck and below the gown should be in keeping with the conservative style of the academic attire. The hood should be secured so that it will not slip off the shoulders. The cap is worn parallel to the ground; the tassel is worn in front and on the right side until the degree has been conferred.
In case of inclement weather at the live ceremony, please be advised that the dye in the gown may stain clothing.
Event Contact
Media Contact
Email Amanda Mott