Graduate Recognition Ceremony

In higher education, regalia includes your cap (with tassel) and gown. Additional features can include a crimson IU stole, a graduate hood, and any honor cords that have been earned by the student.

Undergraduates should wear their cap/gown only to the IU Indianapolis Commencement event on May 15. They are not allowed to wear the cap/gown to school-level events, including the O'Neill ceremony.

Graduate students should wear their cap and gown to both the IU Indianapolis Commencement event on May 15 AND the O’Neill Graduation Recognition Celebration on May 12. They also should bring their graduate hoods to the O’Neill event for the hooding ceremony. During the ceremony, graduate students will carry their hoods onto the stage and will have their hoods placed over their heads. 

Doctoral students may wear their cap and gown to both the IU Indianapolis Commencement event on May 15 and their school-level events.

This decision was made at the university level and was not made by the O’Neill School.

No. The university's decision about undergraduate regalia affects all schools on all campuses, regardless of when or where their school-level event occurs.

In academia, wearing the cap and gown signifies the wearer has already earned a bachelor’s degree and is now eligible for another, higher academic rank.

At the O’Neill ceremony, graduate students will receive a formal hood, which will become part of their future regalia should they pursue a doctoral degree.

Undergraduates should wear their favorite professional business attire, their crimson IU stole and/or any stoles provided by campus organizations, and any honor cords they have earned.

The crimson stole is included with a cap and gown rental. O’Neill is purchasing stoles for students who choose not to rent caps and gowns. All students will keep their stoles as a gift from O'Neill.

Honor cords have been ordered for students who qualify. Students who have earned these cords will be notified via email. Potential cord options include Distinction, Pi Alpha Alpha, Alpha Phi Sigma, and Honors College.

Graduate students should wear their caps and gowns and should bring their graduate hoods to the O'Neill event. They will carry their hoods across the stage where the hoods will be placed over their heads.

Herff Jones’ website indicates you can return an unused rental gown for credit if the package is postmarked prior to May 15 and is in new condition. Read their full policy online.