Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to participate?
Any masterʹs degree student who will graduate this spring, summer or fall or who graduated in the previous fall or summer is welcome to register to participate in the Masterʹs Hooding Ceremony.
What do I wear?
Master’s candidate regalia includes a gown, hood, cap and black tassel. These items can be purchased at the KU Bookstore, and we recommend placing your order as soon as possible. Sizes tend to run out as commencement approaches.
- Master’s gown: Long sleeves closed at the end with the arm passing through a slit above the elbow. This differs from the bachelor’s gown, which has bell‐shaped sleeves.
- Cap: Black mortarboard
- Hood: The hood for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences candidates is black with a white velvet strip, with red and blue accents.
- Tassel: Master’s candidates should wear a black tassel. The white tassel for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is for undergraduate students.
What do hooders wear?
Nearly all hooders are faculty members, and they wear regalia from their degree-granting institution. If the hooder holds a master’s degree but not a doctoral degree, they are also encouraged to wear regalia from their previous institution. If not, professional dress is appropriate.
What if my faculty advisor/mentor is unable to attend?
If your faculty advisor/mentor is unable to attend, you may use the designated faculty hooder. You can request to use the designated hooder on the ceremony registration form or upon checking in at the registration table on the day of the ceremony.
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony typically lasts one hour.
Where is the Lied Center and where should participants and guests park?
The Lied Center is located at 1600 Stewart Drive off of Irving Hill Road and 15th Street. There is plenty of parking available for all participants and guests. Guests will enter via the main entrance, and participants and hooders will enter via the pavilion entrance.
Will my name appear in the program if I'm not participating in the ceremony?
All students with a spring, summer, or fall 2026 application for graduation on file will appear in the ceremony program unless they have opted out of being listed in graduation announcements via KU's application for graduation. Students who graduated in the summer or fall of 2025 will only appear in the program if registered to participate in the ceremony.'
Is there a winter hooding ceremony?
No. The College Master’s Hooding Ceremony happens only in the spring. Students who graduate in fall or summer semesters are encouraged to participate in either the ceremony prior to or after their graduation term.
What is the difference between the Master's Hooding Ceremony and Commencement?
Unlike the university‐wide Commencement procession for all undergraduate and graduate candidates, the Master's Hooding Ceremony individually recognizes each graduate. This is a popular event for family and friends to attend as they can witness the hooding of their graduate. Graduates are welcome to participate in both events.
Is there a viewing option for friends and family members who cannot attend the ceremony?
Yes. The event will be live-streamed and viewable online.
What if I need more than four tickets?
You may request to be placed on a waiting list for additional tickets via the ceremony registration form. Additional tickets are not guaranteed, but in the past, we have been able to accommodate most ticket requests.
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Tickets will be available for pick up in 109 Strong between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 13 through Wednesday, April 15. Tickets not picked up by the 15th will be mailed to the address you provide on your ceremony registration form.