Any ordering of academic regalia is done online. Please click on the tab below for deadlines and links to order regalia by degree.
  • Undergraduates do not need to pre-order their cap and gown. Regalia for undergraduates is free and can be picked up:

    For any regalia (Cap, Gown, Hood) questions, please email: Bookstore_Manager@uml.edu.

    Undergraduate Online Students who cannot come to campus to pick up their cap and gown may request it to be mailed by calling 978-934-2623 or emailing Bookstore@uml.edu. Deadline to request your cap and gown to mailed is May 6, 2024.

  • Note: There is a fee for Master's regalia.

    Please visit the UMass Lowell's bookstore - the River Hawk Shop if you need to place an order. You can also do so by visiting the Graduation page of the bookstore's website. For international shipping, please place your order with the River Hawk Shop (University Bookstore) by April 30, 2024 whereas for domestic orders, ordering deadline is May 6, 2024.

    Master's students can pick up their Cap & Gown and name cards:

    • On April 8, 2024, at Cap & Gown Countdown.
    • Between April 9 and May 9, 2024, at the UMass Lowell (UML) Bookstore at University Crossing on 220 Pawtucket Street in Lowell, during normal business hours.
    • On May 10-11, 2024, at the Registrar’s tent at the Tsongas Center.

    For any regalia (Cap, Gown, Hood) questions, please email: Bookstore@uml.edu or call 978-934-2623.

  • Note: There is a fee for doctoral regalia.
    ALL doctoral candidate must have UMass Lowell regalia in order to participate in the ceremony. This regalia is a custom order (blue custom gown with insignia). 

    Doctoral candidates need to place their order with University Crossing Bookstore by March 13, 2024, for a pick-up arrangement at the bookstore after May 1, 2024. The bookstore wants to be able to accommodate everyone who plans to attend the ceremony, so early ordering is HIGHLY recommended. Note that purchasing new and rental options are available.  
    If you need immediate assistance, contact the River Hawk Shop at 978-934-2623 or email Bookstore@uml.edu.
  • Drawing of man and woman showing places to measure for regalia
    Diagram shows how to measure for sleeve, chest and waist.

    How to Measure

    Custom-tailored outfits require more specific measurements than rental outfits. Complete and accurate sizing information enables University Cap & Gown to provide properly fitted garments. Souvenir and rental outfits require less measurements than custom-tailored regalia. Generally, all that is need is height and weight. 

    • Height: Stand with your back to the wall and place something flat (a book or ruler) on top of your head. Mark the spot and step away from wall and measure. 
    • Weight needs to be accurate to ensure proper fit.
    • Sleeve: With your arm slightly bent at your side, measure the length from the center of the back of your keck to the back of your wrist (down you arm).
    • Chest: This measurement should be taken while wearing the type of garment you expect to wear under your gown. If you plan on wearing a suit jacket under your gown, wear it while your measuring. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and round your back.
    • Waist: Measure around the least fullest part of the middle part of your body.
    • Cap or tam: Place the measuring tape around the widest part of your head, approximately one inch above your ears.
  • The Academic Cap

    Students and faculty alike will be happy to learn that the tassel may be worn on either the left or right side and that no significance is officially given to how the tassel is worn.

    The Academic Hood

    All hood linings for the University of Massachusetts Lowell have a field of royal blue, which is divided by a red chevron.

    The colors utilized by UMass Lowell for hood bands are:

    CollegeDegreeHood Color
    College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (FAHSS)Bachelor of ArtsWhite
    Bachelor of Arts (School of Education)Light Blue
    Bachelor of Fine ArtsDark Brown
    Bachelor of Liberal ArtsWhite
    Bachelor of MusicPink
    Bachelor of ScienceYellow
    Master of ArtsWhite
    Master of EducationLight Blue
    Master of MusicPink
    Master of Public AdministrationPeacock Blue
    Master of ScienceYellow
    Education SpecialistLight Blue
    Doctor of EducationLight Blue
    Doctor of PhilosophyDark Blue
    Francis College of Engineering (FCE)Associate of Science in Engineering TechnologyOrange
    Bachelor of Science in EngineeringOrange
    Bachelor of Science in Engineering TechnologyOrange
    Master of ScienceYellow
    Master of Science in EngineeringOrange
    Doctor of PhilosophyDark Blue
    Intercampus (IC)Master of ScienceYellow
    Doctor of PhilosophyDark Blue
    Kennedy College of Sciences (KCS)Associate of ScienceYellow
    Bachelor of ArtsWhite
    Bachelor of ScienceYellow
    Master of ScienceYellow
    Doctor of PhilosophyDark Blue
    Manning School of Business (MSB)Associate of ScienceDrab Brown
    Bachelor of ScienceDrab Brown
    Bachelor of Science in Business AdministrationDrab Brown
    Master of Business AdministrationDrab Brown
    Master of ScienceDrab Brown
    Doctor of PhilosophyDark Blue
    Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences (ZCHS)Bachelor of ScienceYellow
    Master of Public HealthSalmon Pink
    Master of ScienceYellow
    Doctor of PhilosophyDark Blue
    Doctor of Physical TherapyTeal
    Doctor of ScienceYellow
    Doctor of Nursing PracticeApricot

Latin Honor Cords

Undergraduate students with Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.250 or higher may be eligible for Latin honor cords that can be picked up:
To be eligible, a student must achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.250 for all courses completed at the university and must have earned a minimum of 60 credits from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. 
Students who transfer into the university will be also be eligible for University Honors if they earned a minimum of 3.000 at their previous institutions, earned a minimum of grade point average of 3.250 for all courses completed at UMass Lowell and satisfied the University Residency Requirement.
Requirements are:  
  • Cum laude: GPA of 3.250 or higher (1 cord)  
  • Magna cum laude: GPA of 3.500 or higher (2 cords)   
  • Summa cum laude: GPA of 3.850 or higher (3 cords)  
Note: Cumulative GPA, and not term GPA. Once final grades are posted and your GPA changes, please stop by at the Registrar's tent at the Tsongas Center on your graduation day to swap your cords (when eligible).

Stoles, Tassels and Cords

Military Honors

All graduates who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard and student veterans) will wear a white aiguillette at the Commencement Ceremony in recognition of their service to our country (Active Duty and student veteran graduates, including Reservists and National Guard). These aiguillettes will be distributed directly before graduation ceremonies at the Tsongas. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of Military and Veterans Services at 978-934-2491 or email veterans@uml.edu.

Student-Athletes

Student-athletes will receive a white stole at the Senior Toast event. If you are unable to attend the Senior Toast or have questions, please contact the Athletic Department at 978-934-5715 or email Alison_QuandtWestgate@uml.edu.

White Tassels

Graduating students who make a donation to the Senior Class Gift of $5 or more, will receive a special tassel to wear at graduation. White tassels will be available for pick up on your Commencement Day at the Tsongas Center before you head in. If you have any questions, please email Lindsey_Andella@uml.edu for more information.

Commonwealth Honors College

Honors graduates will receive a blue stole at the Commonwealth Honors brunch on the Wednesday before Commencement. Students that have earned the Honors College Distinction will receive a cord at the RHED/Honors Distinction reception at the Allen House. Stoles will also be available for pickup at Commencement. If you have any questions, please email honors@uml.edu or call 978-934-2798.

River Hawk Experience Distinction 

River Hawk Experience Distinction (RHED) graduates will be awarded a red braided cord to wear at Commencement in recognition of their achievement. Students will receive their cord at the awards ceremony on May 8. If you are unable to attend the award ceremony, you may pick up your cord at the Career & Co-op office in UCC 450 on May 9 and 10 during our normal business hours. Contact RHED@uml.edu with any questions.

River Hawk Scholars Academy

Students who are graduating and are members in good standing of River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) will receive a form to order their RHSA stole. These graduation stoles will be provided as our gift to you in celebration of your completion of your degree. You will only receive a stole if you complete this form. Stoles will be made available before graduation in the RHSA offices in O’Leary Library and will also be available on Commencement Day outside the Tsongas Center. Any questions can be sent to RHSA@uml.edu.