By JANAE HACKWORT
As the rewards of graduation approach for all hard-working seniors, a time-honored tradition and privilege associated with graduation festivities is to wear a cap and gown during commencement activities.
In order to participate in commencement activities at graduation, graduates must either rent or buy cap and gowns.
Because buying a cap a gown can cost approximately $400, BYU provides rental services to graduates to make obtaining a cap and gown easier.
The cost of renting a cap and gown at BYU differs depending on the degree the graduate is obtaining.
If the graduate is receiving a bachelor's or two-year associate's gown, the rental cost is $17. Prices increase with each successive degree. A Master's gown, cap and hood costs $23 and a Doctor's gown, cap and hood costs $25.
The rental cost basically covers the shipping of the gowns back and forth from Chicago, Ill., dry cleaning fees and the crew to take the order, disperse the cap and gowns and to collect them again, said Sherry Morris, supervisor over cap and gowns.
'The renting of cap and gowns is not a money-maker for us. It is a service we provide so we try to keep the costs down,' Morris said.
'Other universities where you can buy the gowns, they are many times disposable, thin acetate gowns and not the heavy, good quality gowns. They just look a lot nicer,' Morris said.
Even at universities where gowns are sold, most universities will also give the option of renting as well.
There are three easy steps to complete in order to obtain a cap and gown for graduation at BYU.
The cap and gowns can be ordered from the Alumni House. If cap and gowns have not been ordered yet, they can still be rented along with a late fee, as long as supplies last. The cap and gowns can be picked up between April 22 -- 26.
When graduates pick up their cap and gowns, they will be asked to fill out a graduation survey form that indicates employment and a future address.
The caps and gowns need to be returned after convocation on April 26