Tentatively starting at commencement ceremonies in May 2010, graduates will be wearing red gowns instead of black.

Adam Compton, a senior in agricultural business management and last year’s senior class president, is leading the student initiative in support of the change.

“As a student, I want to graduate in my school colors,” Compton said. “There is overwhelming student support for the change, and we need something that sets us apart.”

According to University Registrar Louis Hunt, the change from black to red gowns was discussed in previous years, but was pushed to the back burner due to recent staff changes and budget cuts.

According to Hunt, basic red gowns have been taken to various club meetings to gauge student reaction, and opinions regarding the change have been all positive.

“I want to wear red,” said Josh Beeson, a senior in turfgrass science, said. “We should wear red because we are the red and white from State.”

Backed by student support, Compton joined with other student leaders to re-visit the change with the commencement committee and Chancellor Jim Woodward. The committee, Compton and Hunt all said the red gowns will set the University apart.

According to Hunt, the red is not just a change in color, but a branding of commencement ceremonies at N.C. State.

“We are working with the company to make [the gowns] what students want,” Compton said. “They will re-brand graduation and make it more unique.”

There have been ongoing discussions with the bookstore and vendors to make a quality product that stands out, Hunt said.

Vendors will be visiting campus on Oct. 9 with four prototypes. The prototypes will differ in features on the gowns, including decorative additions such as the University seal, said Hunt.

Upon the unveiling of the prototypes, Hunt says students will be asked for their opinions.

“At first I was skeptical of the red,” Hunt said. “But with the prototypes, I am convinced there will be a good product, and students will be happy with the outcome.”

Hunt said there will be no significant cost difference between the black and red.

“This is a big thing for campus,” Compton said. “This will be a transition from high-school looking gowns to unique N.C. State gowns.”

The change from black to red will be a permanent change, according to Hunt.

“The plan is to have them ready in May. We are anxious to make it happen,” Hunt said.