The Basic Needs Center has partnered with campus and community partners to support undergraduate and graduate students who are graduating and experiencing a current or recent unanticipated financial hardship. Through this program, eligible students may receive graduation regalia at no cost while supplies last. Available regalia includes a cap, gown, and tassel for undergraduate students, and a cap, gown, tassel, and hood for graduate students.
Supplies are limited and may be exhausted before a request is reviewed or approved. Submission of a request does not guarantee approval or availability of regalia.
Important Status & Deadline
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Must be a Fall 2026 graduate or Spring 2026/Summer 2026 graduating student.
- Must be a Bachelor's or Master's or eligible credential candidate.
- Must demonstrate a current or recent unanticipated hardship or expense (supporting documentation can be included).
- Student has no other available financial resources.
Before you submit an Academic Regalia Support request, please remember:
- REIMBURSEMENTS ARE NOT AN OPTION. Your request will not be processed if you already purchased regalia and now seek a reimbursement.
- Requests will be processed in the order in which they are received.
- Answer each question fully and with helpful details. Incomplete, general, or vague responses will not be processed.
- Students must clearly identify and explain the current or recent unforeseen hardship or expense that resulted in their inability to purchase academic regalia. Anticipated or known education or job-related expenses are not considered an unforeseen hardship or expense.
- Students can only submit one request. Multiple requests will not be accepted.
- Please take into consideration requests are not monitored after business hours, on weekends, holidays, and campus closures.
Process & Contact
If approved, you will receive further directions on how to obtain your academic regalia.
For further questions, please email: Basicneeds@ucmerced.edu
