What Happens to Your Cap and Gown After Graduation: Insights and Practices
After graduating from college, the fate of your cap and gown can vary based on personal choice and institutional policies. Graduates often have several options such as returning, keeping, giving away, repurposing, or recycling their cap and gown. This article will explore these options in detail along with the benefits and considerations for each.
Return to the School
For many students, especially those who rented their cap and gown from the college bookstore or a rental service, returning the items is a common and often required step. This practice is particularly prevalent in private Catholic colleges and universities, where graduation ceremonies are often formal and institutional policies strictly mandate the return of the cap and gown.
Why Return?
There are practical reasons for returning the cap and gown. Firstly, the college may reuse these items for future graduates, ensuring that fewer resources are needed. Additionally, some schools may have specific guidelines and timelines for returning the cap and gown, requiring graduates to ship them back within a certain timeframe.
Keep as a Souvenir
Many graduates choose to keep their cap and gown as a memento of their achievement. This keepsake serves as a tangible reminder of their hard work and the milestones they have achieved. Storing the cap and gown in a safe place can be a cherished memory for years to come, especially as graduates reflect on their college years and reminisce about their academic journey.
Preserving the Cap and Gown
For those who decide to keep their cap and gown, it is important to consider how to preserve these items properly. Cleaning the gown, securing the cap with a non-damaging adhesive, and storing them in a dry, climate-controlled area can help maintain their appearance. Many stores offer special conservation kits or preservation tips for maintaining the appearance and integrity of academic attire.
Another popular option among graduates is to give away or donate their cap and gown to future students, friends, or family members. Giving away the cap and gown can provide a sense of giving back to the academic community and help others celebrate their own achievements. Additionally, donating these items to organizations that support students can be a practical and meaningful way to contribute to the education and success of others.
Receiving and Using a Donated Cap and Gown
For those receiving a cap and gown as a donation, ensuring that the item is in good condition and follows the appropriate care instructions is essential. Organizations that accept donations typically provide guidelines for cleaning and maintaining the cap and gown to ensure they meet the standards for graduation ceremonies.
Repurpose the Cap and Gown
With a little creativity, some graduates find ways to repurpose their cap and gown for various purposes. For instance, the cap can be used as a doll's dress, the gown as a bridesmaid's dress, or the tassel as a decorative item. Repurposing not only extends the life of the items but also adds a personal touch to new projects and crafts.
Creating Crafts and Costumes
For those interested in crafting, the materials from the cap and gown can be repurposed into unique and meaningful projects. Whether it's making a rug out of the fabric or using the tassel as a decorative element, these ideas can make for exciting and creative reuse of your graduation attire.
Recycle the Cap and Gown
For graduates who no longer need their cap and gown and are environmentally conscious, recycling them is a viable option. Some schools or local recycling centers may accept clothing made from certain materials, ensuring that the items are reused in a sustainable manner. Additionally, some stores that sell academic attire may offer recycling programs for returned items.
How to Recycle Your Cap and Gown
When recycling your cap and gown, it is important to ensure that the materials can be processed for recycling. Many cap and gowns are made from a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers, which often require specific recycling processes. Contacting local recycling centers or stores that offer recycling programs can provide guidance on the best ways to responsibly dispose of these items.
Ultimately, what happens to the cap and gown is a personal decision that reflects individual sentiment and practicality regarding the graduation experience. Whether you choose to return, keep, give away, repurpose, or recycle, the decision can be influenced by factors such as personal preference, environmental concerns, and practical considerations. By making a conscious choice, graduates can ensure that their graduation attire serves a purpose beyond the ceremony itself.