Fall 2025 Mines Hat for Graduating Students

December graduating students, you must log in with your Mines email before you will have access to order. If you still cannot order after logging in, please email commencement@mines.edu. Those graduating in May will be able to place orders starting in March 2026.

Who can order a Mines Hat and how much does it cost?

Graduating students (both undergraduate and graduate) who are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremonies held on December 19, 2025 are eligible to order the Mines Hat at this time – a distinctive hat that serves as a symbol of Mines pride. The cost is $50 for graduating students, plus tax. The cost breakout is as follows:

    Hat = $50
    Sales Tax = $3.75
    Total cost = $53.75

Only one hat per person is allowed, even if you are receiving multiple degrees from Mines. The discounted rate is only applied once per person. You can order additional hats for $200 directly from The Cow Lot. 

How to measure for your hat size:

       1. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head (not metal). If you do not have access to a measuring tape, use a piece of folded tape and a ruler. You can also stop by the front desk of the Student Center.
       2. Where? Place the tape measure where you like your hat to rest on your head. Generally, this is slightly above your ears and above your eyebrows.
       3. How Tight? Pull it to the tightness you’d like your hat to fit. This varies by preference.
       4. Convert the measurement (in inches) into your hat size by dividing by pi (round up if you are between sizes for a better fit).
       5. Still unsure? There will be tape measures at the front desk of the Student Center.

What's the deadline to purchase the hat and when/where should I pick it up?

Order before Oct. 2 to be able to pick up your hat on campus. The on-campus distribution day for fitting and branding will be Thursday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Stratton Commons. If you miss this date, you can order from Oct. 3 until Dec. 22, but you must make arrangements with The Cow Lot for pickup options. 

In order to receive the graduating student discounted price ($50 plus tax), orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025. After this date, if you want to purchase a hat, you must do so through The Cow Lot at the alumni rate of $200 (plus taxes and fees).

What happens during hat distribution and branding on Thursday, Oct. 2?

• Please come prepared to show your ticket/receipt of purchase. To expedite the process, remember the hat size and style before coming to the tent.
• You will have the option to try your hat on to confirm the fit. If you need to adjust the fit of your hat, the vendor will have trained hat shapers there to custom fit your hat to you.
• You will have the option to brand your hat when you pick it up with different Mines logo branding irons. You decide on the brand(s) and the location on your hat at pickup.
• We ask for your patience during pickup. If the lines are long, come back at another time. 

What if I am unavailable on Oct. 2 during pick up?

Graduating students should plan to pick up your hat on campus during Distribution Day on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Stratton Commons, unless you have extenuating circumstances. If you’re unable to pick it up on Oct. 2, you’ll have three alternative options:

 1. Have Someone Else Pick It Up for You: You can authorize someone else to pick up your hat on campus. They’ll need:
            A copy of your ticket/proof of purchase
            Your hat size and style
            Your branding preferences
            Note: With this option, you won’t be able to custom-fit your hat.

    2. Pick It Up at The Cow Lot: For an additional fee, you can pick up your hat in person at The Cow Lot, located at 10890 E 47th Ave, Denver, CO 80239, during business hours.
            The Cow Lot charges a $20 fee for in-store pickup, branding, and sizing.
            Your $50 (plus tax) only covers the on-campus pickup option on Oct. 2.
            Those choosing in-store pickup will need to pay the $20 labor fee directly to The Cow Lot at the time of pickup.

    3. Have Your Hat Shipped: If you prefer shipping, this option will include additional fees for shipping and handling.
            Shipping must be coordinated directly with The Cow Lot after Oct. 2.
            The Cow Lot will not have a list of unclaimed orders until after Distribution Day.
            Exact shipping costs will be determined by The Cow Lot and paid directly to them.

What does the Mines Hat look like?

You’ll have the option to choose either the traditional style (2.5” curled brim, western crown shape with mule kick front and back) or the Western style (4.25” rancher brim, cattleman’s crown). The color shading varies but will be silver belly. The hats are 100% wool with buckle detail, manufactured by Twister with Mines-branded customization on the interior (see photos at the link below). Shaping, fitting, and branding provided by The Cow Lot. 

Don’t know your hat size or which style to choose? Sample hats and measuring tools will be available at the Front Desk of the Student Center.

Read even more about the Mines Hat here: https://www.mines.edu/hat/

If you questions or concerns, please email commencement@mines.edu.

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