We’re proud to introduce A Tar Heel Tradition Worth Passing Down, a new initiative to support students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
At Carolina, traditions don’t end when the ceremony does — they carry forward. Each year, graduates wear their regalia for a single day, only for it to be tucked away for good. At the same time, the cost of that regalia can be a barrier for some students.
This initiative invites Tar Heels to turn a single moment into something lasting, ensuring that the next generation can fully experience one of Carolina’s most meaningful milestones.
The program is free to participate in, requires no advanced sign-up, and helps keep regalia out of landfills — a simple act that reflects the very best of Carolina: community, care, and responsibility.
How to Participate
After walking across the stage in the Dean E. Smith Center — or as you leave Kenan Memorial Stadium — simply place your regalia in one of the clearly marked collection bins located around ceremony venues, along the concourse, and near the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower.
From there, volunteers will take it forward — collecting, organizing, and preparing items for future Tar Heels.
Items Being Collected
We welcome graduation regalia from all programs, undergraduate and graduate, from the 2021 academic year to the present. Accepted items include:
- Bachelor’s gown and (undecorated) cap set
- Bachelor’s honors sash
- Master’s gown and (undecorated) cap set
- Master’s hood
- Doctoral gown and (undecorated) cap set
- Doctoral hood
- Cords
- Stoles (non-personalized)
- Tassels
Where to Donate
Collection bins will be available across campus throughout Commencement at the following locations:
- Concourse areas at the Dean E. Smith Center
- Concourse areas at Kenan Memorial Stadium
- Near the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower
Bins will be placed during the following ceremonies: May 9 commencement.
What’s Next
All donated regalia will be cleaned, stored, and made available for future Carolina graduates — ensuring that every Tar Heel has access to this defining moment, regardless of financial circumstances.
Questions
For more information or to get involved, please contact the Dean of Students office at dos@unc.edu or 919-966-4042. You may also support student success initiatives like this one by providing philanthropic support.