Graduation Attire
Approved Regalia
Dallas College students who are participating in the graduation ceremonies can order their regalia online to be delivered to their homes now through Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Caps and gowns will also be available at all Dallas College campus bookstores starting in April, while supplies last.
Dallas College allows recognized academic honor societies, student organizations and college programs to wear specific cords, stoles and other recognition items. This is not an exhaustive list. The following academic honor societies are listed in the program:
- Alpha Beta Gamma
- Mu Alpha Theta
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Psi Beta
- Kappa Delta Pi
- Alpha Delta Nu
- Sigma Kappa Delta
- SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- Dallas College Honors Program
Dallas College also recognizes that campus life and cultural identity are an important part of a student’s college experience. Participants in the following college programs are recognized in the graduation program:
- Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Student Government Association
- Service Learning
- Rising Star
- International Students
- TRIO Student Support Services
- Ascender
- and other forms of student leadership experience
Additionally, students may wear culturally based adornments and multicultural enhancements. These may include woven cloths representing traditional patterns and designs signifying a graduate’s cultural heritage and traditional indigenous regalia such as an eagle feather or beadwork. Dallas College embraces these forms of adornments as a visual representation of the rich tapestry of our college culture.
Other Suggested Attire
- Sleeveless dresses, dress pants or khakis, dress shirt with tie, suits (dress, skirt, pants)
- Dark dress shoes, including flats, loafers, low dress heels
Tips and Reminders
- Mortarboards (caps) are worn parallel to the floor with the tassel on the right. Decorations are allowed but should be in good taste, be a positive representation of Dallas College and our academic programs, and be family-friendly (since graduation is a family event). Decorations should be limited to the top of the graduation cap. No vulgarity, hateful or political speech, or obscene imagery will be permitted on the caps, gowns or stoles. Graduates with decorations that do not meet these guidelines may be asked to remove their decorations prior to the ceremony.
- Keys, wallets and cellphones must be carried in a pocket underneath the gown, not held in the hand.
- Cap and gown should be removed from the plastic bag at least 48 hours prior to the ceremony to allow folds produced as a result of packaging to relax.
- The only item you will be carrying in your hands will be your name card!
Since you will not be allowed to carry any of your personal items into the graduation ceremony (for example, purses, cameras, etc.), you will need to leave these belongings at home, with your family or friends, or in the trunk of your car.
Remember: Flowers are not allowed on stage or in the audience. Wear clothing that will allow your essential valuables, such as your car keys, to be placed in your pockets under your gown.
Cap and Gown Frequently Asked Questions
The Dallas College cap and gown are royal blue if you are receiving an associate degree or certificate. If you are earning a bachelor's degree, the cap and gown are black. The tassel is red and white.
Caps and gowns can be ordered online through Jostens and are mailed to graduates. Upon submission of an RSVP, graduates will be emailed information on how to place an order.
The deadline to order regalia is Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Students facing challenges with purchasing regalia can reach out to us at DCGrad@DallasCollege.edu to explore available options. Include "Regalia Aid" in your subject.
The cap is worn so the mortarboard is level and parallel to the ceiling. It should not be tipped to the back or to the side of the head. The crown should be approximately one inch above the eyebrows and rest approximately one to one and one-half inches above each ear. The point will be close to the middle of your forehead. This also helps insure the mortarboard is level.
The front of the cap is indicated on the inside of your cap. Place the cap on your head as instructed above.
The cap is an essential part of the academic dress and remains on the head throughout the graduation ceremony.
Graduates may decorate their caps if they would like. Such decorations should be in good taste, be a positive representation of Dallas College and our academic programs, and be family-friendly (since graduation is a family event). Decorations should be limited to the top of the graduation cap. Graduates with decorations that do not meet these guidelines may be asked to remove their decorations prior to the ceremony.
Tassels are worn forward on the right front side. When the cap is in the correct position on the head, the tassel will hang off the right front cap edge. Tassels must never hang off the back of the cap. All graduates wear the tassel on the same side. During the ceremony, graduates will be instructed to move their tassels to the left to signify the conferring of the degree/certificate.
The gown should NOT be put in a hot dryer or ironed!
Place your robe on a hanger immediately. You may want to place your robe in the bathroom while showering; the steam will assist in removing the wrinkles.
You should wear lightweight, comfortable clothing underneath the gown. Your clothes should have at least one pocket to carry essential valuables.
Students are permitted to wear any cultural or emotionally significant stole that is respectful and considerate to all during the ceremony. No vulgarity, hateful or political speech, or obscene imagery will be permitted on the stoles. Students will need to contact their respective honor societies directly to purchase academic stoles or cords.