Graduation
Graduation Preparation Checklist
Cap & Gown Information
Limited Time Offer: Custom Regalia Discount
Take pride in your academic achievement with your own personal Brown University apparel. Purchase a full regalia package (Gown, Hood, & Cap/Tam*) by April 1, 2026 to receive a discount at checkout.
*Note: Codes apply to full packages only and cannot be used for individual items.
- Master's ($35 off): Use code BROWNMASTER35
- PhD ($75 off): Use code BROWNPHD75
- MD ($75 off): Use code BROWNMED75
2026 Graduation Key Dates |
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| January |
| January 29 Ordering for Custom Academic Regalia Opens: If you will be attending many graduations in the future, as part of your academic career, we recommend purchasing custom regalia. Owning your own academic attire is a one-time investment and will save you from renting each semester. |
| January 29 to April 1 Custom Academic Regalia Sale: Purchase Custom PhD, MD, or Master's Regalia by April 1st to receive a discount. Custom Academic Regalia is an investment designed for those pursuing a career in academia. Unlike rentals, these gowns are tailored to your exact measurements and crafted from superior, durable fabrics intended to be worn for years of future ceremonies. |
| February |
| February 26 Keeper Regalia and Rental Regalia Online Preordering Begins: Students and Faculty are invited to begin placing their regalia orders for Brown's 258th Commencement.
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| March |
| March 4 & 5 In-Store Student & Faculty Sale: A Herff Jones sales representative will be available at the Brown Bookstore to assist with sizing and answer questions regarding regalia, ordering Custom Academic Regalia (PhD, MD, and Master's), announcements, and class rings. Please Note: Regalia Ordering is online only. |
| April |
| April 4 DEADLINE - Undergraduate & Master's Online Keeper Preorders for In-Store Pick Up: This is the last day to preorder Keeper Regalia for pick up in store. After today, Undergraduates and Master's students can purchase at the Bookstore beginning on May 7th through Commencement. |
| April 8 Graduation Portraits with Grad Images - Open to Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, & Medical Students: Prepare for Commencement with a professional portrait! Grad Images will be in-store on April 8th from 10 am to 5 pm to take professional photos of graduating students. Full regalia will be available for use during the shoot so you don't need to bring your own. Information on how to order your photo packages will be provided at the session. |
| April 9 DEADLINE - Final Day to Order Custom Academic Regalia: All orders must be received by this date in order to arrive in time for May Commencement. Expedited late orders may be approved, but will incur additional fees. |
| April 15 DEADLINE - Faculty & Staff - Online Rental Regalia Preorders for In-Store Pick Up: This is the last day to preorder your Rental Regalia for pick up in-store. Late Rentals will be available at the Bookstore starting on May 18th through Commencement. |
| April 19 DEADLINE - Doctoral & Medical Students - Online Rental Regalia Preorders for In-Store Pick Up: This is the last day to preorder Rental Regalia for Pick Up in-store. Late Rentals will be accommodated at the Bookstore starting on May 18th through Commencement. |
| April 24 DEADLINE - Faculty & Staff - Online Rental Regalia Preorders for Home Delivery: This is the last day to preorder Rental Regalia for Home Delivery. Late Rentals will be available at the Bookstore starting May 18th through Commencement. |
| April 28 DEADLINE - Master's Students - Online Keeper Preorders for Home Delivery: This is the last day to preorder Keeper Regalia for Home Delivery. After today, Keeper Regalia will be available for sale at the Bookstore starting on May 7th through Commencement. DEADLINE - Doctoral & Medical Students - Online Rental Regalia Preorders for Home Delivery: This is the last day to preorder Rental Regalia for Home Delivery. After today, Late Rentals will be available at the Bookstore starting on May 18th through Commencement. |
| May |
| May 7 Grad Fair: Grad Fair 2026 will be held at the Brown Bookstore from 10 am to 6 pm. Stop by and pick up your Regalia, meet with vendors, and have your Commencement questions answered. ALL Graduating Students are encouraged to attend. |
| May 18 through Commencement Pre-Order Rental Pick Up Begins In-Store: PhD, MD, and Faculty may begin picking up rental pre-orders at the Bookstore. Later Rentals Available In-Store: Faculty, PhD, and MD students who have not yet rented their regalia may do so at the Bookstore from May 18th through Commencement. Late fees apply. |
| May 22 through May 24 Commencement Weekend |
Regalia FAQ
What is "custom" regalia?
Custom regalia (often called Fine Quality or Academic regalia) is a long-term investment piece. It is tailored to your exact measurements, made from premium fabrics, and designed to last a lifetime.
Do I need custom regalia?
No.
Why would I buy Custom Regalia?
If you have a PhD, MD, or a Master's degree, and you will be attending many graduations in the future as part of your academic career, purchasing custom regalia is advisable. Owning your own academic attire is a one-time investment and will save you from renting each year.
Do you offer a rental option for Undergraduate or Master's regalia?
No. Master's and Undergraduate students have the opportunity to purchase a keeper version of their respective regalia.
Do I have to preorder my regalia, or can I just buy it on the day of?
We strongly recommend preordering. While there will be some stock available at the Grad Fair and in the Bookstore, specific sizes and degree-color hoods may run out. Pre-ordering guarantees you have the correct attire for your big day.
What is "Keeper" regalia?
You purchase a "keeper" gown, which is yours to keep as a souvenir. It is brand new and does not need to be returned.
Can I have my regalia shipped to me?
Undergrads: No, pick up is exclusively at the Bookstore, starting on May 7th at Grad Fair.
Master's, Doctoral, & Medical: Yes, you can select "Home Delivery" when ordering (shipping fees apply) or choose to pick it up at the Bookstore.
What if I can't attend the Grad Fair to pick up my order?
If you cannot make it, your order will be available at the Bookstore for pickup up to Commencement.
Which side does the tassel go on?
- Undergraduates: Start with your tassel on the RIGHT. During the ceremony, you will be instructed to move it to the left to signify your graduation.
- Master's & Doctoral: Wear your tassel on the LEFT side throughout the entire ceremony, as you are graduating with an advanced degree.