GSS Regalia Award

About the Award:

Attending commencement is a meaningful milestone—but for many graduate students at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), the cost of regalia can be a barrier. To support and encourage more graduate students to participate in a BGSU commencement ceremony (May, August, or December), the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) offers the Regalia Award.

This award helps cover the cost of Doctoral regalia rentals or Master’s regalia purchases:

• Doctoral students: The award covers the full rental cost of the robe, tam, and hood. You may also choose to apply this amount toward purchasing regalia through Falcon Outfitters. (If you are a Doctoral student and decide to purchase regalia instead of renting, you must do so through Falcon Outfitters. Purchases from Jostens are not eligible for this award.)
• Master’s students: The award covers the full cost of renting/purchasing regalia (gown, cap, and hood).

Check the costs of gowns here: https://www.bgsu.edu/falcon-outfitters/general-information/graduation-gowns.htmlLinks to an external site.

Eligibility:

To apply, you must:

1. Be currently enrolled in a BGSU graduate degree program.
2. Have a graduation application on file with the Graduate College.
   • Summer 2025 Graduation Application Deadline: Monday, June 2, 2025
3. You must be in good academic standing with the university.
4. Your department must be in good standing with GSS. (Students in academic units under censure are not eligible for GSS awards or funding.)

Application Process:

Application Instructions

• Application Opens: May 12, 2025
• Deadline to Apply: Monday, June 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM

To apply:

1. Go to the Graduate Student Senate Canvas Page > Modules and complete the Regalia Award application form.
2. Submit a short essay explaining:
   • Why you need financial support to rent or purchase regalia, and
   • Why attending graduation is important to you.

Note: Applications must be submitted through Canvas only.
If you cannot access the Canvas page but believe you should, email gss@bgsu.edu before the deadline.

Selection and Presentation:

• Applications will be reviewed by the GSS Vice President and the Financial Allocations Committee.
• Award recipients will be notified via email in late May or early June.
• If selected, you’ll receive an email from Lori Naugle (Falcon Outfitters) with instructions to order your regalia.
• Please follow the ordering deadline listed in that email.
• You will not be asked to pay until approximately two weeks before graduation.

Contact

Please contact GSS Vice President, Shubham Sundiryal (gss@bgsu.edu) with any questions/concerns.