What Not to Wear: Commencement Edition…and Other Tips For Your Graduation Day
Students at Commencement in McCamish Pavilion
With Commencement right around the corner, many of you already know what you’re going to wear. Some of you may have planned your outfits months ago. (Hopefully you've at least taken your regalia out of the plastic to let the wrinkles fall out.)
There is no official Commencement dress code, but for those who are still scrambling for picture-perfect attire, here are some practical tips to help dress and prep for the big day.
Fall 2024 Commencement is a rain or shine event. Graduates and guests are advised to monitor the weather forecast and dress as needed. Each ceremony is expected to last approximately between one to two and a half hours. For directions between venues throughout the weekend, visit the Georgia Tech map.
Commencement Dress DO’s:
Don’t bring a bag. If you must have a bag, make it clear. Commencement events at both Bobby Dodd Stadium and McCamish Pavilion are subject to the venue’s clear bag policy. See the full policy at ramblinwreck.com/clearbag.
Travel light. This will save you the hassle of carrying a bag at all or leaving your bag at bag valet. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, try to find one with pockets to carry small items such as keys or your phone.
Dress comfortably. You will be at the event for about three and a half hours. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you’re dressed comfortably enough for both. Bachelor’s and Ph.D. graduates will process in front of the stage as their names are called, so be sure you can walk in your shoes. If you’re wearing pants, consider khakis and shoes. If you’re planning to wear heels, consult the “don’t wear new shoes” section, and consider a low heel (and that you’ll be walking on artificial turf).
Suggest that your guests dress business casual. Although there is no dress code, many guests like to dress up for this special day. Parents and alumni can often be seen donning Tech colors and gear, and sometimes international guests wear their country’s traditional dress clothes. Tell them about the clear bag entry policy so they, too, can plan accordingly.
Whatever you choose to wear, the photos you take will be around for a while, so pick something you won’t mind seeing a few years down the road. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with white and gold.
Commencement Dress DON’Ts:
Don’t think that because you’re wearing a robe it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing underneath. Throughout the day you’ll be taking numerous photos, and you may at some point want to take off your regalia.
Don’t wear new shoes. Commencement is not the day to break in new shoes. Another tip: Don’t wear high heels if you are not used to walking in them. On your walk across the stage you should be focusing on the moment you’ve been waiting for during the past four (or five) years, not worrying about tripping.
Don’t spend too much time styling your hair. Keep in mind you’ll be wearing a graduation cap for a few hours. If you’re planning an elaborate hairstyle, try it out with your cap before graduation day to make sure that the cap still sits properly.
Don’t make your mortar board too epic. Remember that someone has to sit behind you, and if you adorn your cap with anything 3D, try to keep it no more than an inch or two off the board.
Don’t forget your regalia. Make sure you have your cap, gown, tassel, cords, and stole (and hood, for graduate students). There will not be extras at the venue. And, don’t wait until Commencement day to unwrap it. Take it out of the plastic, make sure you have it all, and hang it up to let some of the wrinkles fall out. (If you’re feeling ambitious, give it a steam.)
Other Commencement Tips:
Set an alarm, especially for morning ceremonies. Doors will open one hour before the start of the ceremony. Graduates must report to the venue 30 minutes prior to ceremony start. Set your alarm and have a buddy system to make sure you wake up. (See the full Commencement schedule).
Charge your phone. Bachelor's and Ph.D. graduates will scan a virtual name card (GradPass) as they process to have their names called, and you will want to find family members after the ceremony. Bring a phone with a full charge. Pro tip: take a screen shot of your GradPass before you arrive. Better yet, print your GradPass and never worry about your phone’s battery life.
Stay hydrated and take a bathroom break before you arrive. Try to be well-rested, fed, hydrated, and prepared to sit through the ceremony.
Plan in advance where to meet your guests after the ceremony. There will be no formal processional in or out of the venue. Suggest a specific meeting spot beforehand, even if it’s not in the vicinity of the stadium, to ensure you are away from others but can still find family members and reunite easily. View a seating chart of where in the stadium your guests can look for you during the event.
Send your guests parking information. Note available parking areas at commencement.gatech.edu/parking.
Most importantly, remember to enjoy the day and reflect on all that you’ve achieved at Georgia Tech. Congratulations, graduates!
For faculty and staff members: Volunteers are still needed to help Commencement run smoothly and in accordance with public health guidelines. Learn more and sign up.