Cap and Gown
There’s no better feeling than moving your tassel from right to left as the crowd cheers and chee hoos as you stand alongside your fellow graduates. In that powerful moment, a deep sense of pride, accomplishment, and gratitude fills the air. Surrounded with support and love you step forward to honor the journey that brought you here. Make sure you have the proper regalia to walk across the stage with confidence, embrace the moment, and capture unforgettable graduation memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Only adornments approved per university policy, and/or those of Academic Honor Societies, are allowed to be worn at Commencement. All other non-academic adornments, including stoles, cords, medallions and lei are prohibited during the ceremonies and are subject to removal. Altering gowns is also prohibited. WCC reserves the right to request a graduate to remove any item deemed in violation of this policy and/or restrict the graduate from participating in Commencement.
Only These Approved Regalia may be worn
Special Adornments
Academic Regalia
The history of the academic cap and gown dates back to the 12th century when scholars began to organize themselves into guilds, the predecessors of modern universities. The cut of the gown represents the scholarly rank attained: open sleeves for associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, closed sleeves for master’s degrees, and bell-shaped sleeves and black velvet panels and bars for doctoral degrees. Most gowns are black, however other colors are sometimes worn to represent institutional colors. Modern hoods drape down the back of the gown and are worn by holders of advanced degrees; the colors represent the wearer’s discipline and institution. The flat mortarboard cap is a modern representation of a stocking cap which was designed to hold a small book on the head.
Kīhei
Graduates of Windward Community College will be draped in kīhei. Traditionally used by Native Hawaiians as clothing for both men and women, kīhei in modern times play a role in showing the status and importance of individuals participating in ceremonious occasions. The print that you will see on the kīhei was designed by art student Leshay Keli‘iholokai. The three triangles, as a whole, represent Keahiakahoe, the mountain that overlooks our college campus. Separately, the three images symbolize the key individuals of a famous legend of Kāne‘ohe: Kahoe, his brother Pahu, and sister Lo‘e. Together, they tell a tale of ‘ohana, deceit, and the importance of generosity.
Students graduating from the Hawai‘iloa Hawaiian Studies online program wear the kīhei with a woodblock design created by wood carving Instructor Jordan Souza. This kīhei honors the educational journey connecting to our voyaging history, knowledge, and tenacity.
Chords, Tassels, Stoles, and Lei
ASUH-WCC Student Government
Red and Blue Honors Chords
Phi Theta Kappa
Gold Honors Tassel and Stole
TRiO Student Support Services
White Kukui Nut Lei
Veterans, active duty, Reserve, and National Guard member
Red, White, and Blue Honors Cord in appreciation of service to our country
Decorating Your Cap
Decorating your cap is allowed and encouraged as part of the commencement tradition! Add some family-friendly flair to make your celebration even more memorable. Let your creativity shine with age-appropriate embellishments to showcase your accomplishments.
Avoid the following:
Don’t alter the structure of the cap or add anything that could obstruct the view of others, like tall or bulky items.
Avoid using wiring, batteries, or any items that could cause concern or be mistaken for something unsafe in your cap decorations to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
If decorations don’t meet guidelines, you may be asked to remove them or wear a replacement cap provided by the university.
Plan Your fit
Before you head to commencement, make sure to check the dress code for what to wear under your regalia.
- Cap and Gown
- You may want to consider ironing your gown before the ceremony.
- You will not need to use the white collar that is included with your gown.
- Windward Community College will gift you a green kīhei which you will receive at rehearsal prior to Commencement. This kīhei represents your achievement and plays an important role in the Commencement Ceremony.
- Honor stoles may be worn over the kīhei.
- The tassel on your cap should be worn on the right side, initially. After receiving your diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker, you will move your tassel to the left side.
- Dark colored clothing under your gown. No jeans please.
- White or light colored collared shirts
- Dark colored shoes or sandals with back-sling; no slippers please
- Do not use the white collar which is included with the gown
Leis, Haku, Personalize Stoles, etc
Leis may be worn after the ceremony, but not during the event.
Customized stoles may not be worn during the ceremony but can be given at lei ceremony.
Lei poo may be worn during the ceremony.
For Grads
For ‘Ohana
The event is organized by the Commencement Committee.
