Rutgers Newark Cap and Gown: A Comprehensive Guide
As a Rutgers Newark student nearing graduation, you're likely eager to know more about the cap and gown you'll wear during your commencement ceremony. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the details, ensuring you're well-prepared for this significant milestone.
Understanding the Rutgers Newark Cap and Gown
The cap and gown you'll wear at Rutgers Newark is a symbol of your academic achievements and a tradition shared by universities worldwide. The gown is a simple, elegant design that signifies the unity of all graduates, regardless of their field of study.
Gown Colors and Hoods
The gown's color represents your degree level:

- Associate's degree: White
- Bachelor's degree: Black
- Master's degree: Dark blue
- Doctoral degree: Dark blue with a gold stripe
The hood, attached to the gown, displays the colors of your degree-granting school and the field of study. For Rutgers Newark graduates, the hood features the school's official colors: scarlet and black.
Caps and Tassels
The cap, a traditional mortarboard, is black and adorned with a tassel. The tassel's color signifies your field of study. You can find a list of tassel colors and their corresponding fields on the Rutgers Newark commencement website.
Ordering Your Cap and Gown
Rutgers Newark has partnered with Herff Jones for cap and gown orders. You can place your order online or by phone. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Herff Jones website and select 'Rutgers University - Newark' from the list of schools.
- Enter your student ID number and follow the prompts to place your order.
- You can also call Herff Jones at 1-800-837-4235 to place your order over the phone.
Orders should be placed by the deadline specified on the Rutgers Newark commencement website to ensure delivery before the ceremony.
Wearing Your Cap and Gown
On the day of your commencement, follow these guidelines to ensure you're dressed appropriately:
- Put on the gown first, ensuring the hood is at the back.
- Place the cap on your head, centering it on your forehead.
- Adjust the tassel to the right side of the cap.
- Once you've received your degree, you can move the tassel to the left side to signify your accomplishment.
Additional Accessories
While not required, some graduates choose to wear academic regalia accessories, such as stoles, honor cords, or medallions, to recognize their achievements or affiliations. Check with your department or college to see if these accessories are permitted and how to obtain them.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We hope this guide has helped you understand and prepare for your cap and gown experience at Rutgers Newark. As you don your cap and gown, remember the hard work and dedication that led you to this momentous occasion.