Gown Instructions

Gown

Black is the most common colour for academic gowns. The gown for Bachelor degrees has pointed sleeves, while the gown for Master degrees has oblong sleeves. The Doctoral gown is faced down the front with black or coloured velvet, three bars of the same colour across the sleeves, and typically has bell-shaped sleeves. All SMU gowns are designed to be worn closed.

Gown

Put on the gown and fasten using the zipper

Gown - Step 1
Gown - Step 2
Gown - Step 3

Hood

The colours of the hood signify the field of study. Place the hood over your head, with the “V” end of the hood facing front.

Hood - Step 1
Hood - Step 2

Clip the hook of the hood onto the puller of the zipper. Get someone to help you to take the string on the back of the hood and loop it around the button on the opposite end.

Hood - Step 3
Hood - Step 4
Hood - Step 5

Mortarboard

Look for “Front” on the inside of the mortarboard. The mortarboard should fit snugly on your head, and the tassel should be on your right.

Mortarboard - Step 1
Mortarboard - Step 2
Mortarboard - Step 3

Academic Dressing for Graduands at Commencement

Commencement is a solemn and august ceremony. All eligible graduands must don the full SMU Academic Regalia in order to walk the stage. The full academic dress consists of a gown, a hood, and a mortarboard (for Bachelor and Master degrees) or tam (for Doctoral degrees).

Graduands are not allowed to make modifications or alterations to the SMU Academic Regalia. They are required to uphold the tradition and dignity by following the dress code:

  • No display of political, religious*, or personal messages or causes, whether in the form of decorations, badges, scarfs, sashes, pins, or symbols, etc.
    *Sikh graduands may wear their turban.
    *Female Muslim graduands may wear their hijab/tudung under their gown, hood, and mortarboard/tam.
  • No accessories that are flashy, distracting, or disrespectful (e.g. sunglasses, headphones, necklaces [over the gown]).
  • No adornments that are offensive or not in line with the occasion, such as masks or face paint.
  • No items that drape over the gown, hood, or mortarboard/tam.

SMU staff on the ground have the right to prevent graduands from participating in the ceremony or walking the stage if they do not comply with the rules or are not suitably attired. SMU staff may exercise due judgment on what dressing is deemed not appropriate. If in doubt, graduands should enquire in advance.