The University of Iowa is now partnering with Herff Jones as the official vendor for regalia and other commencement apparel, to help all graduates show their Hawkeye pride. 

The new regalia was used for fall 2023 commencement and will be used for all future ceremonies. 

Here’s what changed

While all degree recipients will wear a black gown with gold accents, their academic rank and degree will be distinguishable by subtle differences.

• Undergraduate regalia: The bachelor's degree recipient will wear a black gown with a gold satin cuff and a block IOWA. They also wear a cap, commonly referred to as a mortarboard, along with a colored tassel representing the college from which their degree will be granted.
• Graduate regalia: The master's degree recipient will wear a gown with gold piping down the front and an academic seal displayed on the chest and a mortarboard. Their degree will be denoted by a uniquely colored velvet hood along with a colored tassel representing the college from which their degree will be granted.
• Professional regalia: The doctoral degree recipient will wear a gown with gold velvet down the front, an academic seal on the chest, and three velvet bars on each sleeve. Their degree will be represented by the color of the velvet hood along with a colored tassel representing the college from which their degree will be granted. Doctoral recipients will wear a tam instead of a mortarboard, rounding out the distinctive attire that marks their scholarly accomplishment.

All students participating in commencement will be required to wear the new regalia. We ask that students participating in commencement not borrow from a former student or family member to ensure a unified visual representation of our community’s academic excellence and shared Hawkeye spirit.

More information about commencement apparel, including specific requirements by college and degree type, can be found on the commencement website. 

Convenient and flexible ordering process 

The university also will now offer more ordering options:

• Order online and have your regalia shipped to Iowa Hawk Shop and University Bookstore at no additional cost. Items will be available for pickup starting with the UI Grad Fest on April 10-11.  
• Order online and pay to have your regalia shipped directly to your home. Orders will be delivered about three weeks after the order is placed.
• The Iowa Hawk Shop and University Bookstore will have a limited selection of regalia available for purchase in the store. 

Visit the commencement website for more information and deadlines for spring 2024.

Increased Quality and Access

As part of the new partnership with Herff Jones, more students, regardless of their financial circumstances, will have the opportunity to participate in their commencement ceremony. The Dean of Students Graduation Support Program offers financial assistance for commencement apparel and materials for students experiencing financial hardship. All students are eligible to apply for the program. More information and an application can be found on the Dean of Students website.

To ensure consistency and quality of regalia for graduate and professional students, the university has transitioned to rentals for graduate and professional student gowns and hoods (students may keep tams or mortarboards). This not only upholds our commitment to sustainability by reducing waste, but also ensures that students in every program have access to high-quality attire that properly reflects their achievements. The rental model is designed to be both cost-effective and convenient. Students will still have the option to purchase and keep custom regalia.