Ensuring Access
The Gowns for Grads (G4G) regalia lending program at George Mason University began when an academic advisor discovered that low-income students were unable to purchase the required regalia, preventing them from participating in the commencement ceremony. This grass-roots effort relied on help from students, alumni, and University Life to gather gowns to lend to graduates at no cost to those graduates. As the program grew, it was formalized, and regalia donations were solicited throughout
the year. Now housed in Contemporary Student Services, the program is led by Caroline Simpson, a George Mason alum and professional staff member, who has witnessed an unprecedented rise in applications. G4G not only supports graduates but also aligns with Mason’s sustainability efforts.
Bridging the Gap and Fostering Inclusion
Buying regalia can be a significant financial burden on students. The cost of regalia ranges from $84 for a bachelors kit to $973 for doctoral students. Students who have limited or no discretionary funds often cannot justify spending that amount on something that has limited use. Yet, missing a pinnacle celebration and right-of-passage event like commencement can profoundly impact students; there is a sense that no matter how hard they have worked, that they haven’t earned the celebration of commencement and wearing the regalia unless they can actually afford it.