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Commencement
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commencement ceremony

Regalia & Merchandise

UAB bachelor's and master's graduates will be “Walking Green” at Commencement.

Regalia – which includes caps and gowns – makes Commencement ceremonies a visually stimulating experience and highlights the importance of the day for graduates and UAB. Learn more about how to purchase Commencement regalia prior to the ceremony, as well as UAB merchandise (announcements, class rings, and diploma frames) to commemorate graduation. There is a process in place for graduates and their friends and families to obtain a branding permission letter to share with bakeries to use UAB trademarks on cakes and edible goods.

GreenWeaver regalia is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It takes an average of 23 plastic bottles to manufacture one cap and gown, meaning that your class has the opportunity to divert over 87,000 plastic bottles from landfills. GreenWeaver is also cooler and lighter weight than non-sustainable fabric.

Students in the School of Dentistry, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, and School of Optometry should note that their schools typically coordinate the specifics of these orders.

Dress Code/Academic Regalia

Commencement recognizes the academic achievements of UAB graduates and is considered a formal academic ceremony that should be viewed as such in dress and demeanor. The undergraduate and master’s academic robes are green. The recommended dress for graduates is comfortable business attire.

Order regalia for Bachelor/Masters/PhD/Optometry degrees Opens an external link. Order regalia for Faculty (not medical and dental) Opens an external link.

Order regalia for Medical and Dental (must be paid for at time of pick up) Opens an external link.

Order regalia for Faculty - Medical and Dental Opens an external link.

  • Bachelor's Regalia

    All Grad Packs include a one-year membership in The University of Alabama at Birmingham National Alumni Society. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to order your regalia.

    Due to COVID, returns on opened regalia will not be accepted.

    Order your Regalia

  • Master's Regalia

    All Grad Packs include a one-year membership in The University of Alabama at Birmingham National Alumni Society. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to order your regalia.

    Order your Regalia

    For store hours please visit the UAB Bookstore website. For questions concerning cap and gown, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please see the Distance Learning section below for information on how to order your cap and gown if you cannot attend Grad Fest or pick up your cap and gown in store.

  • Doctoral Regalia (Excluding O.D., M.D., and D.M.D.)

    Custom Doctoral Regalia

    All custom regalia orders will need to be placed by March 10, 2024 to ensure delivery before Fall Commencement. View the pricing for regalia and descriptions of the fabric. You can purchase the full regalia or pieces. See a picture of this regalia. For pictures of different custom regalia that you can purchase in black, please look here. The pieces of doctoral regalia include a robe, a hood, a tam, and a tassel. You would purchase regalia in your highest degree earned and you can just purchase pieces.

    Order your Regalia

    For custom regalia we will need the following measurements:

    • To be tailored for: Male or Female
    • Height with shoes (top of head to floor): feet and inches
    • Approximate weight: pounds
    • Chest measurement: inches
    • Shirt sleeve length (Measurement from center-back base of neck, over the top of the shoulder and along the outer arm to desired length.): inches
    • Neck size: inches
    • Floor clearance desired (If not specified, robes will be sized approximately 8” from the floor): inches
    • Cap or Tam (Measure around the head approximately 1” above the brow, pulling the tape measure snugly. Give measurement in inches.): inches

    You must come into the store or puchase the custom regalia online. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions. Again, the deadline for custom regalia is March 10, 2024.

    Rental Doctoral Regalia

    Student rental doctoral regalia forms are due March 10, 2024 to ensure you have regalia for the Commencement Ceremony. Students can rent packages for the ceremony. Students can also rent and/or purchase individual pieces. Payment for rental packages will be due at time of purchase. Regalia will be available for pick up around April 27 at the UAB Bookstore located in the Hill Student Center at 1400 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35233. Please visit our website for store hours. If you are unable to pick up your own regalia, please designate an alternate pick-up person on the form as requested.

Distance Learning Students

If you are unable to attend the ceremony, it will be livestreamed and links will be made available on the Commencement website. You will still receive your diploma, as participation in the ceremony has no impact on your degree. Also, you are welcome to participate in future ceremonies when you are able. Please contact us during the semester of the ceremony in which you wish to participate.

student at commencement ceremony

Honors Graduates

Undergraduate students who have achieved meritorious scholastic standing are eligible to wear a gold honors cord. Honors designations are based on grades reported at the end of the previous term and may not reflect all earned honors. The honors designations for undergraduates are as follows:

  • Summa Cum Laude: 3.9 – 4.00 overall grade point average
  • Magna Cum Laude: 3.7 – 3.89 overall grade point average
  • Cum Laude: 3.5 – 3.69 overall grade point average

Graduation Announcements, Frames, Rings

Announcements can be purchased online through CB Graduation Products. Generally, students receive their announcements within 2-3 weeks; rush service is available for an additional fee.

UAB diploma frames are available at the UAB Bookstore (in Hill Student Center, 1400 University Blvd). They can also be purchased through the UAB Bookstore.

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Medicine, and Doctor of Dental Medicine graduates should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details about ordering diploma frames, as the size of these diplomas varies from other UAB diplomas.

UAB class rings are available from Balfour. Display cases of sample rings and brochures are available at the UAB Bookstore.

Representatives from Balfour will be at Grad Fest to take orders. Orders may also be placed online through Balfour.

Faculty Regalia

  • Rentals

    Faculty members that are hooding students, attending the ceremony, or volunteering as faculty marshals please send your height, approximate weight, terminal degree, and the school in which you received your terminal degree to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by March 10, 2024. Any orders received after this date may be fulfilled with UAB stock regalia.

    Regalia will be available for pick up the week of commencement from the UAB bookstore in the Hill Student Center.

  • Purchases

    If you wish to purchase regalia, please contact the UAB Bookstore at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up a fitting. Please keep in mind that it takes 4 to 6 weeks to make custom regalia, so orders for custom regalia must be submitted at least 6 weeks before the ceremony.