Guide to Graduation Attire
Posted: April 03, 2025 | Author: Wanting Qiao | Read Time: 3 minutes
Graduation is a defining moment in your academic journey—a culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and achievement. To honor this milestone with the dignity it deserves, it’s essential to wear the proper regalia, a symbol of your hard work and the institution you proudly represent. At SUU, every element of graduation attire carries significance, reflecting tradition, personal accomplishments, and the bright future ahead. This guide will ensure you walk across that stage in style, fully embracing the honor of this remarkable achievement.
The Essential Pieces of Graduation Attire
Cap & Tassel
Graduation caps and tassels are required for all graduates. Before the ceremony, the tassel is positioned on the right side, symbolizing the journey leading up to this achievement. Once the diploma is received, the tassel is moved to the left, marking the transition from student to graduate.
Tassel Colors:
- Associate Degrees – Silver
- Master’s Degrees – Black
- Bachelor’s Degrees:
- Business – Drab
- Education – Light Blue
- Engineering & Computational Sciences – Orange
- Health Science – Sage
- Nursing – Apricot
- Humanities & Social Sciences – White
- Performing & Visual Arts – Dark Brown
- Music – Pink
- Sciences – Gold
Gown
Bachelor degree recipients wear a traditional black gown while Associate degree recipients wear a blue gown. Those earning a Master’s degree wear a distinct gown, featuring longer sleeves with dramatic openings, representing their advanced level of study and expertise in their chosen field.
Hood (Master’s Degree Recipients Only)
The hood represents both your field of study. The colors displayed on the hood signify your area of expertise, connecting you to a long history of scholars who have walked this path before you. Worn over the gown and draping down the back, it serves as a symbol of your academic discipline and the tradition of higher education.
Hood Colors:
- Accountancy, Business Administration, and Business Analytics - Drab
- Arts Administration - Dark Brown
- Athletic Training and Sports Conditioning & Performance - Sage
- Cyber Security & Information Assurance - Orange
- Education - Light Blue
- Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Communication - White
- Music Education and Music Technology - Pink
- Public Administration - Peacock
Special Regalia
Medallions (Bachelor's Degree Recipients Only)
Graduates who have achieved academic excellence with a Summa Cum Laude distinction (GPA of 3.8 or higher) or Magna Cum Laude distinction (GPA between 3.6 and 3.799) are awarded special medallions to honor their dedication and hard work. These medallions can be picked up at the Grad Fair, with no application or payment required.
The Gratitude Stole is a white satin stole featuring the SUU academic logo. It provides graduates with a meaningful way to express appreciation to someone who made a significant impact on their academic journey. Graduates write a heartfelt message on the stole and wear it during the ceremony before presenting it as a gift to their chosen recipient after commencement.
The Legacy Stole is a special recognition for graduates who come from SUU Legacy Families, where a parent or grandparent previously graduated from SUU. This stole, available for purchase, serves as a tribute to the tradition of education passed down through generations and can be proudly worn at commencement.
The Gratitude Stole and the Legacy Stole can be purchased online to pick up at the grad fair!
Graduating Class Gift Giving Cords
Graduates who contribute $20.25 or more to the Old Sorrel Club receive a red and gray cord to wear at commencement, signifying their commitment to supporting future T-Birds. These donations help fund scholarships, student programs, and university initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on SUU’s growing legacy.
SUU provides one regalia package free of charge. If an extra tassel is needed, it can be purchased separately. Order your Grad Regalia today!
As you prepare to don your cap and gown, remember that graduation is not just a ceremony—it’s the celebration of all the hard work, challenges, and growth that have led you to this point. Congratulations, Class of 2025! You’ve earned this moment, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Tags: Tradition and History CurStu College Tips Student Life Graduation
