Academic dress is the signature attire worn by graduates during convocation. The color of the hood varies, reflecting your academic degree and field of study, making each one uniquely significant. 

I am an Indigenous student. Do I need to rent academic dress? 

Indigenous students are not required to wear the traditional black gown. However, you must wear or carry the hood that represents your academic degree and field of study. 

How much does the academic dress/gown rental cost?  

The cost of academic dress/gown rental ordered before the registration deadline is $50. After the deadline the rental cost is $80 payable when picking up your academic dress/gown on the day of Convocation, available at the Arts and Culture Centre one hour prior to your Convocation ceremony. Please note that we cannot guarantee your specific academic dress (size, hood, etc.) beyond the rental deadline.  

I was deemed ineligible to graduate. How do I request a refund for my academic dress rental?

Please email convocation@mun.ca for assistance.   

Where do I pick up and return my academic dress/gown?  

Pick-up: Academic dress/gowns can be picked up in the Gown Room at the Arts and Culture Centre one hour prior to your Convocation ceremony. As graduates pick up their academic dress, they will proceed to pick up their stage card and then seated in the auditorium. 

Drop-off: For return of academic dress, there will be a drop-off area just outside the Gown Room for up to one hour after the ceremony ends. The mortarboard hat is yours to keep! Please note that academic dress that is not returned on-site will be the responsibility of the graduate to return to the vendor at your personal expense. 

For those wishing to have photographs taken outside of the allocated time frame for use of Convocation gowns, academic dress for this purpose can be rented from the St. John's Campus Bookstore. 

Wearing the Gown and Hood 

Your gown is designed to stay open at the front, while your hood drapes around your neck and over your shoulders, showcasing the silk lining at the back. Do not use pins to secure the hood—it should rest naturally in place. Since your attire underneath will be visible, business casual or semi-formal attire is recommended for this special occasion.