Regalia

The design of the academic regalia (cap and gown) and the colors worn are significant. The distinguishing mark of the gown is the sleeve:

• Bachelor — long pointed sleeve
• Master — an oblong sleeve open at the wrist
• Doctor — bell-shaped sleeve with three velvet bars
• Ph.D. — gold gown with bell-shaped sleeve and three velvet bars

In keeping with the solemnity of the ceremonies, special regalia is worn to symbolize reaching a significant milestone in one’s educational journey. As such, adornments to regalia must be associated with officially recognized merit or honor societies or identity groups. Any adornment that is not in the form of an authorized cord or stole must be approved by the Office of the Provost, Student Affairs and any relevant schools, colleges or other organizations. Personal decorations, whether to the cap or gown, are not allowed as they may detract from the spirit and dignity of the occasion or alter or obscure recognition of the degree that the designated regalia represents. View the complete adornment policy on cords, decorations, etc.

The Vanderbilt bachelor gown showcases the traditional characteristics of an academic gown but with the added branding of Vanderbilt University. The gown uses full front pleats, balanced fluting and an easily accessible zipper. Your Vanderbilt bachelor gown, mortarboard cap and degree color tassel is yours to keep, or you can recycle it after the ceremony.

The Master gown features traditional tailoring, which includes oblong shaped sleeves, closed at the bottom with a wrist opening, and Vanderbilt branding. Master gowns are worn with degree color tassels and a mortarboard cap. Master students complement their gown by wearing a master's degree hood. Graduates keep the cap, gown, and hood following the ceremony.

The Doctor gown features velvet chevrons on each of the bell sleeves and velvet on the front panels with the Vanderbilt logo. Doctor gowns are to be worn with doctoral degree hoods. Tams are worn by doctoral graduates with a nonremovable gold silky tassel. Doctoral regalia sets can be rented or purchased.

The Vanderbilt University Ph.D. gown represents academic tailoring at its very best. Fine pleating frames the velvet panels from the hemline, up over the shoulders, to a point in the center back of yoke, where it is finished with fancy cording. The Vanderbilt gown features a zipper closure and fully lined bell sleeves, ending in a cuff at the wrist.  A pocket slit allows access to clothing beneath the robe. The gown is antique gold crepe; a two-way textured polyester with a stain-resistant finish and excellent draping and wrinkle-resistant qualities. Black velvet panels and chevrons are outlined in antique gold cording, and the front velvet panels are embroidered with the Vanderbilt mark. Ph.D. gowns are to be worn with degree hoods, and tams are worn with a nonremovable gold silky tassel. The entire Ph.D. regalia set can be rented or purchased.