Graduating students who are unable to attend GradFair can order caps, gowns, and other supplies online.
Everything you need for Commencement
Rent caps and gowns
Online orders for May Commencement 2020 are now open. You can find the order link here.
Deadline to order is March 26, 2020, 11:59 p.m. EST.
Student apparel
All degree candidates are required to wear IU apparel at Commencement. Gowns and hoods are rented, not purchased, and must be returned after the ceremony. You may keep your cap, tassel, and (if you are an undergraduate) your Stole of Gratitude and any honor cords you may have recieved.
What students wearFaculty and faculty marshal apparel
Indiana University is pleased to provide Commencement apparel free of charge for participating faculty members and faculty marshals. All apparel must be returned directly after Commencement.
Faculty members wishing to purchase IU apparel should contact Herff Jones. Please note that apparel purchases can take several weeks to fulfill, especially during Commencement season.
What faculty members wear
Invitations
Printed invitations for Commencement are mailed to permanent home addresses on file with the registrar about six weeks before the ceremonies (November in the fall, and March in the spring).
At the same time, emails are sent to all students informing them that the invitations have been sent to their homes. One of the best ways to make sure you receive all mailings is to apply for graduation.
Mailing lists are refined as the semester progresses. If you or your family did not receive an invitation, please contact us.
Invitations to school recognition events and other celebrations are handled by each sponsoring organization.
Photographs and DVDs
Students, families, and friends are welcome to take photographs at any point during the ceremony.
The Commencement team also hires a photographer to take pictures of each graduate in cap and gown before the ceremony. You do not need to sign up for these photographs in advance, although you can sign up for graduation day photos if you choose.
If you don't prearrange backstage photos, you will be given a card to fill out when you arrive at the lineup area. The photographer will take your picture as you process into the arena. Proofs and order forms will be mailed to your permanent address after graduation.
In addition to graduation day photos, GradImages takes formal graduation portraits each fall and spring at GradFair.
Ceremony videos
Videos of the complete ceremony are available for purchase from IU Press.
Buy ceremony videos