Appalachian State University Cap And Gown

Okay, so graduation. Huge deal, right? All those years of classes, late-night study sessions fueled by questionable coffee, and finally… the moment to walk across that stage. But before you can even think about grabbing that diploma, there's the whole cap and gown situation. And at Appalachian State University, it's...well, let's just dive in, shall we?

The Basics: Black is Back (and Always Was)

First things first: the color. At App State, the standard undergraduate cap and gown is, you guessed it, black. Classic. Timeless. Goes with everything (except maybe bright orange… unless you're feeling really bold). But seriously, black keeps things simple. Think of it as a blank canvas for… well, for what exactly? We'll get to that!

And what about the cut? Pretty standard stuff. It’s not exactly haute couture, let's be honest. We're talking fairly straightforward, not too fussy, built for comfort (or at least, survivable discomfort) during the ceremony. Though I did hear a rumor once that someone tried to bedazzle their gown. Legend says they were never seen again. Just kidding! (Mostly.)

What's the Deal with the Mortarboard?

Ah, the mortarboard. That square hat that everyone throws in the air at the end. Is it comfortable? Absolutely not. Does it look a little silly? Maybe. Is it a vital part of the whole graduation experience? Definitely! It's basically a right of passage. Plus, it’s the perfect place to display your personality. Think buttons, pins, maybe even some strategically placed glitter. Just don’t block anyone’s view, okay?

And let's talk tassel placement. This is crucial. Before the ceremony, the tassel hangs on the right side. Then, after you receive your degree, you move it to the left. It's like a secret handshake for graduates! Mess it up, and you might accidentally summon a rogue squirrel. (Okay, probably not. But still, get it right!). So, remember right to left after you get that piece of paper! You'll thank me later.

Beyond the Basics: Hoods and Honors

Okay, so things get a little more interesting when you start talking about hoods and honors. This is where the color starts to come into play, and things can get a bit… confusing. But fear not! We're here to break it down.

Hoods are usually worn by graduates earning a master's or doctoral degree. And the color of the hood lining? That represents the university where you earned your degree. The color on the velvet edge, though? That signifies your field of study. So, for example, if you have a hood with a light blue velvet edge, that usually means you earned a degree in education. Gold? Mathematics! White? Arts, Letters, and Humanities. It's like a secret code! Only, not so secret anymore, since I just told you.

And what about honors? Well, if you graduated with academic honors (like summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude), you'll usually wear an honor stole or cord. And guess what? Those come in different colors, too! Typically gold or white. It's a great way to show off all your hard work. You earned it!

The Sneaky Cost of Commencement Couture

Let's be real for a sec: cap and gowns aren't exactly cheap. I mean, you're paying for a piece of fabric you'll probably wear for a few hours. So, where do you get one? The bookstore, usually. They'll have all the official Appalachian State University regalia. You can also check online retailers, but just make sure you're getting the right colors and styles. You don't want to show up looking like you accidentally wandered in from another university. Awkward!

Now, here’s a tip. Once you graduate and you are never ever going to wear that gown again (let’s be honest), maybe you can consider selling the gown to a future student! You save a lot of money if you buy a used gown. This would be great for the environment as well.

Think about it: it’s going to be in a landfill someday, or maybe someone will turn it into a quilt! I am sure that would be pretty cool. Maybe even create a new business!

Personalizing Your Graduation Look

So, you've got your cap and gown. Now what? Time to personalize! This is where you can really let your personality shine. But remember, there are probably some rules about what's allowed, so check with the university before you go overboard. (No inflatable dinosaurs, okay? Unless… they specifically allow inflatable dinosaurs. In that case, go for it!).

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Decorate your mortarboard. This is the classic move. Get creative with paint, glitter, buttons, quotes, inside jokes… the sky's the limit! Just make sure you can still, you know, see.
• Wear meaningful jewelry. A special necklace, earrings, or bracelet can add a personal touch.
• Choose comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking (and standing), so ditch the stilettos (unless you're a pro).
• Accessorize with a stole or sash. If you're part of a club, organization, or fraternity/sorority, you might have a stole or sash to wear.

The key is to express yourself without being too distracting. It's your day, but it's also a celebration for everyone else, too. So be respectful, be yourself, and have fun!

The Graduation Photoshoot: Strike a Pose!

Okay, let’s be real. You are going to take pictures on graduation. You are going to post it on social media. You are going to want to show off your hard work! This is how you can make sure your graduation photoshoot is the best!

Once you've got your regalia sorted, it's time to think about photos. Because if you didn't take pictures, did you even graduate? (Rhetorical question. Of course, you graduated!).

Here are a few tips for nailing your graduation photoshoot:

• Scout out locations. Find some scenic spots on campus. The iconic App State sign? The library? That cool statue you always walk past?
• Bring a friend (or a photographer). It's always helpful to have someone to take pictures for you. Plus, they can help you adjust your cap and gown.
• Practice your poses. Do you have a good side? Figure it out! Practice smiling naturally. And don't forget the classic "throwing the cap in the air" shot.
• Relax and have fun! Don't be too serious. Let your personality shine through. It's a celebration, after all!

Don't forget to tag App State in your photos! #AppStateGrad #GoMountaineers

Cap and Gown Etiquette: Don't Be That Person

Okay, so here are a few unwritten rules about cap and gown etiquette. Because nobody wants to be that person who messes things up for everyone else.

• Don't wear jeans or sneakers. Okay, maybe sneakers are okay if they're really discreet. But jeans? No. Just… no. Dress respectfully.
• Don't talk during the ceremony. It's rude to the speakers and to your fellow graduates. Save the chattering for after.
• Don't block the view. Be mindful of the people behind you. Nobody wants to stare at the back of your head for three hours.
• Don't be on your phone. Seriously. Just put it away. Enjoy the moment. Your Instagram feed can wait.
• Do cheer for your friends. Show some support! A little applause goes a long way.

Basically, just be respectful and courteous. And try not to trip on the stage. That would be… memorable. In a bad way.

The Aftermath: What to Do With Your Gown

So, you've graduated! You've taken pictures! You've celebrated! Now what do you do with that cap and gown? It's probably just going to sit in your closet, gathering dust. But before you relegate it to the back of your wardrobe, here are a few ideas:

• Donate it. Some organizations collect used graduation gowns and donate them to students in need.
• Sell it. As mentioned before, you can try selling it online or to other students.
• Keep it as a souvenir. If you're feeling sentimental, you can keep it as a reminder of your time at App State.
• Repurpose it. Get creative! Turn it into a quilt, a Halloween costume, or a super stylish (and slightly bizarre) cape.

Whatever you do, don't just throw it away! Give it a new life! Unless it's really, really stained. Then, maybe just throw it away.

Final Thoughts: It's More Than Just a Gown

At the end of the day, the cap and gown is just a symbol. It represents all your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It's a reminder of the challenges you overcame, the friends you made, and the lessons you learned at Appalachian State University.

So, wear it with pride. Celebrate your achievements. And get ready for the next chapter in your life!

Congratulations, graduate! You did it!

And now, go get some sleep. You've earned it.