What you will wear
You will wear a gown, a "hood" which drapes around your shoulders and signifies the degree you earned, and a cap. You can see pictures of your regalia in advance:
Graduands are welcome to wear their Indigenous ceremonial dress, other cultural ceremonial dress, or their military or law enforcement dress uniform with, or instead of, the gown at the convocation ceremonies. Please check with regalia staff for assistance.
Assistance
SFU volunteers will make sure your gown fits, that you have the correct degree hood and it is pinned to your gown, and that your cap won't fall off. You don't have to worry about robing yourself.
Make sure the tassel on your cap is to the left side of your face when you cross the stage so the tassel doesn't obscure your face from the audience.
Doctoral students do not have their hoods pinned on, but carry them and are "hooded" on stage.
Cap
Graduating with a bachelor’s or master’s degree?
Your cap (or "mortarboard") sits flat on your head and fits snugly, so keep your hairstyle simple.
After your convocation ceremony you will be able to take your cap home with you as a memento of this special day.
Graduating with a doctoral degree?
You will wear a softer hat that will cover most of your hair. Note that hair gels and other products will stain your hat.
You must return your hat and hood to the Regalia Return station after your ceremony.
Regalia return
You must return your gown and hood to our Regalia Return station after your ceremony. Please return your regalia by 12:45 p.m. if you have a morning ceremony and 5:00 p.m. if you have an afternoon ceremony.
SFU does not sell hoods or gowns. You can purchase them through our supplier, Gaspard.
What to wear with your regalia
Wear shoes that you can walk in! During the formal procession, you will be walking over concrete paths and up and down concrete stairs.
Your gown will zip closed (note that doctoral gowns are open); however, you should consider the weather when deciding what to wear underneath. The temperature is often quite cold or windy and you will be sitting outside (although under cover) for about two hours: dress accordingly. It may rain and there are occasions when it has been very warm.
Check the weather before your ceremony so you and your guests come prepared.
Coat check
Our free coat check located near the regalia area is available to students and guests but is not liable for loss or theft. Unclaimed items are forwarded to SFU Security one hour after each ceremony.