The new design for regalia starting this December.

Metro State’s commencement ceremonies are about to get more colorful.

Starting this December, graduating seniors will walk down the aisle in newly designed robes that feature the College’s insignia and school colors, rather than the basic black gowns used previously.

Last spring, the College received a proposal for the new robes from Herff-Jones, the company that designed the Metro State-specific regalia. The proposal and sample cap and gown were brought before the Commencement Committee and the Student Government Assembly. The two bodies recommended a polling of graduating students to determine whether they would be willing to pay extra for the customized gowns.

Work-study students from the President’s Office polled students who were picking up their caps and gowns in May. The response was overwhelmingly positive (300 to 92), according to Brandi Saturley, administrative assistant to the President, who serves on the Commencement Committee.

The customized gowns are blue with red trim and have the official Metro State seal embroidered on the lapel. All graduating seniors must wear these at commencement ceremonies. The cost to rent the new cap, gown and tassel is $29.50.

Students can preview the new gowns at the upcoming Grad Fair, Oct. 14-15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in TIV Multicultural Lounge.