by Lisa M. Chmiola
Staff Writer
Remember when you were getting ready for your high school graduation? You were probably picking your cap and gown and also what you were going to wear (or not wear) underneath it.
Although you might be past your streaking days, if you choose to walk the walk at your University of Houston commencement ceremony, you still need to don the dark duds.
UH grads-to-be have two locations at which regalia may be purchased: the UH Bookstore in the University Center and Rother's Bookstore, located at Elgin and Scott streets.
The UH Bookstore will be selling caps and gowns, along with invitations and other graduation goodies, said Operations Manager Cathy Keck.
"(Selling keepsake regalia) is new this year," Keck said. "We'll be glad to hear feedback from the students."
Students who come to the bookstore between May 5 and May 16 can purchase and take home their graduation attire the same day, Keck said. "The ones that we have in the store are keepsake gowns."
For a bachelor's cap, gown and tassel, seniors should be prepared to fork out $23.50. Master's candidates can get these three pieces for $32, with the hood costing an additional $24.75. Doctoral graduates can expect to pay $40.50 for the three-piece set and $30 for a hood.
"All this is completely approved by the university," Keck said.
For students preferring to rent regalia, try striding over to Rother's for the goods. According to Store Manager Cheryl Dunham, all students need to do is come to the store and get measured.
"If we can't accommodate somebody (sizewise), we can also get (a cap and gown) in time for graduation," Dunham said. "They can rent right up to graduation. The only risk they run is not having a perfect fit."
Rentals are $17 for bachelor's (with a $50 deposit), $36.50 for master's ($75 deposit) and $40.50 for the doctoral outfit ($100 deposit), Dunham said.
"(Deposits) are completely refundable when the gowns are returned," Dunham said.
The UH Bookstore is also stocked with graduation invitations, whether you prefer personalized or non-personalized. Keck said the non-personalized, which include the envelope and an insert card for name and degree, cost $1 each.
Personalized invitations come in packages as small as 25, but students must come to the store or call (800) 433-0296 for prices, Keck said.
Rother's sells two different styles of personalized invitations with the student's name and degree included within the text, Dunham said.
"(With the name and degree printed), there's no name card needed," Dunham said.
Cost for the minimum order of 30 invitations is $45, Dunham said. Deadline for ordering is May 5.
Both stores will be open graduation day, May 17. The UH Bookstore will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Rother's will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"We try to serve everybody," Keck said.