FAQ - Cap and Gown Information
Dear graduating students,
First and foremost, we hope that you and your family are well during these uncertain times.
Our partners at Herff Jones, our cap and gown vendor, have graciously agreed to provide complimentary home shipping for your cap and gown since you will not be able to pick them up in person. If you pre-ordered your cap and gown, you will receive an email soon directly from Herff Jones with the subject “Your cap and gown is coming soon” with information to submit your home mailing address. Should you not wish to receive your cap and gown, they will also provide a link to submit your order for a refund. We have included some additional FAQs regarding caps and gowns below, including information about keeping them for when the in-person ceremonies are rescheduled.
There are a number of additional items we will be sharing with you in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye out for upcoming communications from both our office and your dean’s office.
Sincerely,
The Commencement Office
FAQ Regarding Caps and Gowns
I pre-ordered a cap and gown to pick up in person. What happens now?
Herff Jones has generously agreed to ship all of the caps and gowns to your home. In order for you to receive your cap and gown at home, you need to complete the form that Herff Jones will email to those who pre-ordered. The email subject line will be “Your cap and gown is coming soon.” Make sure to check your spam folder if it was not delivered to you.
What if I no longer want to receive the cap and gown and would like a refund?
The Herff Jones email will also include a link to cancel and order and receive a refund. If you plan to join us for the postponed in-person ceremony, you will need a cap and gown and can acquire one at that time.
What if I did not pre-order a cap and gown and would like one mailed to me?
We have made arrangements for you to order a cap and gown to be shipped to your house even if you did not previously order one. More information will be sent out in the coming weeks about placing a new order.
The website asks for my order number. Where do I find that?
If you pre-ordered your cap and gown, Herff Jones sent a confirmation email from [email protected]. If you did not receive a confirmation email from Herff Jones, it is possible your initial order was not received, and you will need to place a new order once the site is available.
Can the gowns be shipped anywhere?
The orders can only be shipped within the United States. If you are able to send it to a friend’s house in the United States, you are welcome to do so. If you are unable to have the cap and gown shipped to you now and are planning to return to campus for our in-person ceremony, please submit for a refund. When the postponed dates for in-person ceremonies are announced, additional information will be provided regarding new cap and gown orders.
How long does it take to receive my cap and gown in the mail?
Herff Jones sends out caps and gowns as soon as orders are received. The shipping facility, however, is not currently open due to Covid-19. As soon as the facility is safely able to open, your cap and gown will be mailed to you.
Is there a deadline for shipping my pre-ordered cap and gown or for ordering a new cap and gown to be delivered to my home?
Herff Jones is striving to ensure that graduates have their cap and gown in time for the videocast of the University Commencement ceremony on May 16. If the shipping facility opens in the near future, the latest you can submit your information for home shipping is April 24. While orders and home ship information can be submitted after April 24, the order will likely arrive after the May 16 videocast ceremony.
Should I keep this cap and gown for the postponed University Commencement and diploma ceremonies?
Yes! Once we are safely able to hold an in-person University Commencement and diploma ceremonies, we will announce the date. You should keep your cap and gown as they will be required to participate in the in-person ceremony.
Do I need to return my cap and gown?
Master's candidates receive keeper caps and gowns and therefore do not need to return the cap and gown.
Doctoral candidates rent custom regalia that must be returned. Herff Jones will provide a pre-paid return address label. Since we will hold an in-person ceremony at some point, you are welcome to keep your gown until that time. If you are able to attend the in-person ceremony, post-ceremony drop-off will be available. If you are unable to attend the in-person ceremony, please make sure your cap and gown are returned prior to the ceremony to avoid any fees.
I have additional questions about my cap and gown order. Is there a contact person who can answer them?
Yes. You may direct any questions related to cap and gown ordering to Steve Clarke from Herff Jones Inc. at [email protected] or 516-781-5928.