This year, Quinnipiac graduates will look a little different, sporting caps and gowns that are navy blue instead of black.

On the left sleeve of the gown, there will be a gold “Q” for graduates of bachelor’s and master’s programs. For doctorate gowns, the gold “Q” will be on the front left chest.

The new design is a direct result of student feedback who wanted to be able to showcase more school spirit. Student Government Association Class Senator Gia Iwanece '25 approached the Commencement Committee suggesting that the regalia be changed to better reflect school spirit by incorporating the university's colors to create a "sea of blue and gold."

Tassels will be navy and gold for all degree levels. Hoods will continue to be lined in school colors — navy and sky blue chevron, with the color of the velvet lining varying depending on degree type.

The Class of 2024 is made up of many students who graduated high school as the Class of 2020 – the same year as the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many ceremonies to be altered and go online.

Charity Kuchyt ‘07, associate director of university events, expressed that the Commencement committee is aware that many members of this year’s Class of 2024 did not experience a traditional high school graduation due to the pandemic.

This was a driving factor in initiating this exciting design change this year, she said.

But it’s not just about looks – for more than a decade, Quinnipiac has committed to sustainability through the production of caps and gowns.

“For more than a decade, we have worked with our vendor to provide gowns made from 100% recycled, post-consumer plastic. It is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, while eco-conscious,” Kuchyt said.

Kuchyt advised graduates against using an iron on the gowns.

As the spring semester kicks off, eligible graduates will receive an email with a reminder to be on the lookout for instructions on how to order their caps and gowns.

"The feedback I have heard from my peers so far is great! Everyone is truly excited for these changes," said Ephemia Nicolakis '23, MBA '24.

Ordering will take place online from February 5 to February 15, with flexibility for graduates to choose whether they would like to ship their cap and gown to campus for pickup at the Commencement Fair on April 16, or ship to a personal address.

Although graduates are guaranteed a cap and gown to participate in their ceremony, pre-ordering ensures graduates are guaranteed their preferred size.

However, for those who miss the deadline, there will be additional caps and gowns to choose from at the Commencement Fair, as well as at the Mount Carmel Campus bookstore starting April 17.

Students are encouraged to regularly check their Quinnipiac email for Commencement-related announcements from quevents@qu.edu. Information will also be regularly updated at commencement.qu.edu.

“Many of us on the Commencement committee are also Quinnipiac alumni and are excited to be working with graduates on their Commencement. We look forward to celebrating our graduates’ accomplishments with their loved ones in May,” Kuchyt said.