The Ultimate 5-Step Guide To CSUN Cap And Gown For Commencement 2026 (Don't Miss The New Regalia Rule!)
Congratulations, CSUN Matador! As you approach the momentous California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Commencement ceremonies in May 2026, securing your official academic attire—the cap and gown—is the most critical step. This guide, updated for the 2026 academic year, provides the absolute latest and most crucial information you need, especially concerning the new mandatory regalia policy that graduates must follow.
The process for obtaining your official CSUN cap and gown (often called "regalia") has been streamlined and updated to ensure a cohesive and distinguished look for all graduates. The key is to act early, especially by attending GradFest, the university’s one-stop shop for all your graduation needs. This year, the university is strictly requiring the official CSUN-branded gown, eliminating the option for generic third-party purchases, so pay close attention to the vendor and deadlines.
Your Essential Timeline and Regalia Checklist for CSUN 2026
Preparing for your graduation is about more than just applying; it's about securing the physical symbols of your academic achievement. Here is the definitive checklist and timeline for obtaining your official CSUN academic attire.
- Commencement Ceremony Dates: The 2026 Commencement ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 9, Friday, May 15, Saturday, May 16, Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18, 2026.
- Graduation Application Deadline: The last day to be included in the 2026 Commencement Program was March 6, 2026.
- Official Regalia Vendor: Herff Jones, working in partnership with the CSUN Campus Store.
Step 1: Mark Your Calendar for GradFest 2026
GradFest is the single most important event for all graduating Matadors. This is where you will handle the crucial steps of ordering or renting your cap and gown, purchasing accessories, and securing other memorabilia. Missing GradFest can lead to late fees, limited availability, or missing the order deadline entirely.
CSUN GradFest 2026 Details:
- When: Wednesday, March 11th & Thursday, March 12th, 2026.
- Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (daily).
- Where: CSUN Campus Store Complex.
At GradFest, you can:
- Officially order or rent your required academic regalia.
- Purchase graduation announcements and class rings.
- Order official CSUN diploma frames.
- Pick up information on the CSUN Alumni Association.
Step 2: Understand the New Mandatory Regalia Requirement
For the 2026 Commencement and forward, CSUN has implemented a strict requirement for all graduates to wear the official, university-branded academic attire. This is a major update from previous years where a generic black gown might have been acceptable.
The New Regalia Standard:
The official regalia is sourced through the approved vendor, Herff Jones, and the CSUN Campus Store. The Bachelor's gown, for example, is constructed of EarthGrad recycled material in black, aligning with the university's commitment to sustainability and a unified look. Graduates are now required to either rent or purchase this specific gown, meaning generic black gowns purchased from third-party retailers (like Amazon) are no longer permitted for the ceremony.
Regalia Components by Degree Level:
- Bachelor's Degree: Gown (black, EarthGrad material), Cap (mortarboard), and Tassel (CSUN red/black souvenir).
- Master's Degree: Gown (black, EarthGrad material), Cap (mortarboard), Tassel, and a Master's Hood (color-coded by discipline).
- Doctoral Degree: Custom regalia purchase is generally required, consisting of a custom gown, hood, and velvet tam.
Step 3: Navigating Rental vs. Purchase and Package Options
Most undergraduates and master's students opt to rent their regalia, while Doctoral candidates typically purchase custom attire. The rental fee is usually included as part of a package price that bundles essential graduation items.
Typical Graduation Packages:
While exact 2026 pricing is confirmed at GradFest, the university offers comprehensive packages to save money and ensure you have everything you need. A common "Graduate Value Pack" includes:
- Rental Gown (the official new CSUN regalia).
- Souvenir Cap & Tassel.
- Classic Graduation Sash (often black and red).
- Personalized Graduation Announcements.
- Envelope Seals and Return Address Labels.
These packages simplify the ordering process and ensure your announcements and regalia are perfectly coordinated with the official CSUN brand. The rental fee for the gown itself is non-refundable and covers the cost of cleaning and redistribution after the ceremony.
Step 4: Securing Your Honors Cords and Medallions
Graduating with honors is a significant academic achievement that should be proudly displayed on your commencement day. CSUN recognizes undergraduate students who meet specific GPA criteria, and these students are eligible to wear special distinction items.
Undergraduate Honors Criteria (as of Fall 2025):
To graduate with University Honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude), an undergraduate student must complete a minimum of 30 units of letter-graded work at CSUN and earn a GPA of 3.50 or above in all work taken at the university.
Honors Regalia Entities:
- Honors Medallion: Recipients of the Honors Convocation (undergraduates with a 3.50+ GPA and master's students with a 3.885+ GPA as of Fall 2025) will receive a free honors medallion to wear at commencement.
- Honors Cords/Sashes: Honors cords and distinction sashes can be purchased at GradFest and the Campus Store. These are typically color-coded to signify the level of honors achieved.
- Departmental/Society Stoles: Many academic departments (e.g., Nursing, Business) and honor societies (e.g., Upsilon Phi Delta, Phi Beta Delta) offer their own stoles or medallions. These are purchased separately through the respective department or society and are worn over the official CSUN gown.
Step 5: Final Attire and Commencement Day Tips
The final step is ensuring your entire look is ready for the big day. The academic attire required is the cap, gown, and tassel—plus the hood for Master's and Doctoral candidates.
- Tassel Color: For most Bachelor's and Master's degrees, the tassel is black or CSUN red and black. For Master's degrees, the hood color is specific to your college or discipline (e.g., gold for Sciences, drab for Business).
- What to Wear Underneath: Since the gown is the focal point, wear comfortable, business-casual attire underneath. Light colors are recommended, as the commencement ceremonies take place outdoors.
- GradPasses: Remember that even with the official regalia, you must have your GradPass to enter the ceremony and have your name announced. GradPasses are distributed via your CSUN email address prior to the ceremony.
- Parking: CSUN typically waives parking fees for all Commencement ceremonies, making it easier for you and your guests to attend.
By following this updated 2026 guide and prioritizing your GradFest attendance, you will ensure a smooth, stress-free process for securing your official CSUN cap and gown, allowing you to focus on celebrating your incredible achievement.
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