What Not to Use: Starter Edition and Other Tips For Your Graduation Day

With Beginnings right around the corner, many of you already know what you’re going to wear. Some of you may have planned your outfit months ago. (Hopefully you at least got the regalia out of the plastic to get the wrinkles out of them.)

There’s no official dress code to get started with, but for those still looking for the perfect outfit for the picture, here are some handy tips to help get dressed and prepare for the big day.

Early Spring 2023 is a rain or shine event. Graduates and guests are advised to monitor the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Umbrellas are not permitted inside Bobby Dodd Stadium. Each outdoor ceremony is expected to last roughly between two and two and a half hours.

Initial Dressing Action:

Don’t bring a bag. If you must have a bag, explain. The opening ceremony at Bobby Dodd Stadium is subject to the venue’s bag clearing policy. See full policy at ramblinwreck.com/clearbag. Valet bags will be stationed at Gate 1 and on the Peters Parking Deck if needed.

Light travel. This will save you the hassle of carrying the bag altogether or leaving your bag at the bag valet. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, try to find one with pockets for small items like your keys or cell phone.

Dress comfortably. You will be at the event for about three and a half hours. This event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you dress comfortably enough for both. Students will process in front of the stage when their names are called, so make sure you can walk in your shoes. If you’re wearing trousers, consider khakis and shoes. If you plan to wear high heels, consult the don’t wear new shoes section, and consider low heels (and you’ll be walking on artificial grass). Check the weather and consider light layers to ensure you are comfortable outdoors. Wear a jacket if necessary, and consider how it will fit over or under your regalia.

Suggest that your guests dress in business casual. Although there’s no dress code, many guests love to dress up for this special day. Parents and alumni are often seen wearing Tech colors and paraphernalia, and sometimes international guests wear their country’s traditional dress. Inform them of a clear bag entry policy so they too can plan accordingly. Suggest that your guests layer up too, they will be outside for a long time, and need to be prepared.

Whatever you choose to wear, the photos you take will be around for a while, so choose something you don’t mind seeing a few years down the line. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with white and gold.

Prohibited Opening Outfits:

Don’t think that because you’re wearing a robe, it doesn’t matter what you wear underneath. Throughout the day you’ll be taking lots of photos, and at some point you might want to take off your regalia.

Don’t wear new shoes. Beginning isn’t the day to drop new shoes, and you’ll be walking on the grass at Grant Field. Another tip: Don’t wear high heels if you’re not used to walking in them. As you walk across the stage, you need to focus on the moment you’ve been waiting for the last four (or five) years, not worry about tripping over it.

Don’t spend too much time styling your hair. Remember that you will be wearing your graduation cap for several hours. If you’re planning an elaborate hairstyle, try it on on your hat before graduation day to make sure it’s still in place.

Don’t make your mortar board too epic. Remember that someone has to sit behind you, and if you’re 3D decorating your hat with anything, try to keep it no more than an inch or two from the board.

Don’t forget your regalia. Make sure you have a hat, gown, tassel, laces, and stoles (and a hood, for graduate students). There will be no additions in Bobby Dodd. And, don’t wait until Startup day to open it. Take it out of the plastic, making sure you have it all in, and hang it up so some of the wrinkles fall out. (If you’re feeling ambitious, pass on the iron or steam.)

Other Getting Started Tips:

Set an alarm, especially for morning ceremonies. The gates will be opened one hour before the start of the ceremony. Graduates must report to the stadium 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Set your alarm and have a buddy system to make sure you wake up. (See the full schedule of Commencement).

Charge your phone. You’ll be scanning virtual business cards when you process to Bobby Dodd Stadium, and you’ll want to find family members after the ceremony. Carry a fully charged cell phone. Pro tip: take a screenshot of your graduation before you arrive. Better yet, print your GradPass and never worry about your phone’s battery life.

Stay hydrated and take a bathroom break before you arrive. Try to get a good rest, eat, stay hydrated and get ready for the ceremony.

Plan ahead where to meet your guests after the ceremony. There will be no formal processions inside or outside the venue. Suggest a special meeting place ahead of time, even if it’s not around the stadium, to ensure you’re away from other people but can still find family members and reunite easily. See seating chart where in the stadium you can find you during the event.

Submit your guest parking information. Pay attention to the parking area available at starters.gatech.edu/parking.

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the day and reflect on all you have accomplished at Georgia Tech. Congratulations, graduates!

For lecturers and staff: Volunteers are still needed to help the Start run smoothly and according to public health guidelines. Learn more and register.