UCAP and Gown

University Connect & Persist (UCAP) has partnered with the Care Closet @ NKU, Special Events, and Alumni Programs to create the UCAP and Gown Program. This program offers graduating undergraduate students the ability to borrow a commencement gown FREE of charge. *Students must still purchase a cap and tassel - this can be purchased in the bookstore or online.

You have accomplished great things and the Commencement Ceremony is a meaningful way to celebrate.

There are a limited number of gowns available; gowns are reserved on a first come/first served basis, and must be reserved through the proper form.

All graduating seniors will be added to a Navigate Event; those who wish to participate in the program must RSVP. Students will then be directed to complete the interest form and will be contacted by UCAP to set up a meeting to discuss their next steps after college. To fully reserve your gown, you must complete all steps & meet with a member of the UCAP/Care Closet @ NKU team. (Meetings can be virtual, in-person, or via email.)

Please note that this is currently only available to undergraduate students.

*The event and interest form are only active during the months leading up to graduation in the Fall (Oct-Dec) and Spring (Feb-April).

Please follow these steps below to borrow a FREE gown: 

1. RSVP to the UCAP and Gown Event via Navigate
   • RSVP HERE      
     • Must RSVP by April 3 
2. Complete the interest form (opens Feb 16) & submit the contract. 
   • Interest Form: please complete this form in order to be added to the meeting campaign 
     • Download and complete the contract and submit on the Interest Form.
     • We cannot hold the gown in your size until this form is submitted.
   • Follow our Instagram for deadlines and reminders.
3. Schedule your meeting with a UCAP or CC team member.     
   • You will receive an email from our team with instructions on how to schedule the meeting.  
     • A separate appointment link will be sent to all and must be scheduled prior to April 10
   • YOU MUST PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING IN ORDER TO OFFICIALLY RESERVE YOUR GOWN.
4. Pick up Location:
   • Care Closet @ NKU | UC 142 | M-F, April 20-May 1 | 9:30am-4pm
     • If the CC is closed, stop by UC 120 between 8:15am-4:30pm
5. Return Location: Return prior to May 15
   • Care Closet @ NKU: | UC 142 | M-F, May 9-15 | 9:30am-4pm
   • Alternative Locations:
     • Steely Library | Hours vary, check website | 3rd Floor Front Desk or placed in the book return bin outside the library 
       • *Gown must be sealed in a bag with your name and ID number enclosed if placed in book return bin.
     • Rec Center | Hours vary, check website | Front Desk