Academic regalia for graduation refers to the traditional ceremonial clothing worn by graduates and faculty during commencement ceremonies. It typically includes the following components:
- A black gown (or in some cases gown colors specific to the school or degree level)
- A mortarboard (square graduation cap) with a tassel, often colored to represent the graduate’s academic discipline
- A colored sash or stole that corresponds to the graduate’s degree or field of study
- For higher degrees, such as master's or doctoral, the gown style becomes more elaborate with features like velvet panels and decorative hoods
- Doctoral graduates often wear a tam (a soft, rounded hat) instead of a mortarboard, with velvet robes that have velvet stripes on the front and sleeves
Academic regalia symbolizes academic achievement and status. The tradition dates back to medieval scholars and varies slightly by institution and degree level. The regalia is usually worn with business attire underneath, and graduates often personalize items such as the mortarboard cap. Academic regalia is required to participate in graduation ceremonies and is often rented or purchased ahead of time from designated suppliers. In essence, regalia for graduation is the formal cap and gown attire that marks the accomplishment of earning an academic degree and participating in the ceremonial celebration of that achievement. It visually signifies the degree earned and, in many cases, the academic discipline of the graduate. This ceremonial attire includes distinct pieces such as gowns, hoods, stoles, caps, and tassels that differ depending on whether the graduate is earning a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree.
