Regalia Guidelines
Graduation regalia includes caps, gowns and tassels, plus special regalia that denote traditions of academic achievement (Only those who have achieved an academic honor or are members of an academic honors society are entitled to wear the special regalia).
Select a topic to view information about:
Graduation Stoles
A graduation or academic stole is a decorative vestment worn by students who are members of university registered student organizations and athletic teams. Special recognition is also available for first-generation and active military and veteran graduates. No personal, individual stoles are allowed.
Tech’s registered student organizations
All regalia must be purchased through the University Bookstore. Exception: Students involved in registered student organizations affiliated with an inter/national organization that has a licensed trademark (example: Greek organizations) may wear stoles purchased from the inter/national organization.
The cost of the stole, unless issued by a university college or athletics, is the responsibility of the organization or the individual graduating student. Check with your academic college or organization for more information.
If your organization’s planned use of an accessory falls outside of the guidelines above, contact your organization’s advisor or sponsor who should contact the Committee on Commencements, Convocations, and Academic Ceremonies for consideration. Organizations who fail to follow the established policy will jeopardize the organization’s ability to be represented with stoles in future commencement ceremonies.
Cords
If you are an undergraduate student, you must achieve the Inclusive Combined grade point average (GPA) listed below to qualify for honors. Honors are calculated based on the GPA from the previous semester. Information in the program may differ from the final GPA calculation. This GPA includes Tennessee Tech and transferred coursework.
- Cum Laude: 3.50 – 3.69 (solid purple)
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.70 – 3.89 (solid gold)
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.90 – 4.00 (purple/gold/white)
You can view your inclusive combined GPA by logging into your Eagle Online account – select “Student Records” and “Student GPA.”
Cords are available to honors students through the University Bookstore. You may purchase cords at Senior Salute or contact the University Bookstore at 931-372-3131. Some colleges or honors societies may provide cords to their honors students. As a reminder, cords are part of the academic regalia and must be purchased through the University Bookstore.
Medallions
The only medallions approved to be worn are the 4.0 medallions issued by the university to 4.0 graduates on the day of the ceremony.
Caps
Decorations on graduation caps (mortar boards) are allowed as a symbol of accomplishment. Caps are the only part of the regalia you may decorate. Celebrate and decorate within the guidelines below:
- Only the top of the cap may be decorated.
- Do not hang decorations from the cap.
- Tall embellishments that interfere with the view of students behind you and are not allowed.
- Caps must not have any advertisements, symbols, words or slogans conveying messages inappropriate at a commencement ceremony.
- Caps must not threaten the safety of others or use any hate speech of any kind.
- Obscene, profane or vulgar language is expressly prohibited.
Gowns
For more information or to order your gowns, find the details on the information for graduates webpage.
Tassels
Tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left once degrees are conferred during the ceremony.
For information regarding undergrad information, contact Records, Registration, & Graduation Office.
Hoods
What do the colors represent?
- MSN - Apricot
- MBA - Drab
- MAcc - Drab
- MS - Golden Yellow
- PSM - Golden Yellow
- EdS - Light Blue
- MPS - Light Blue
- PhD - Metallic Gold
- DNP - Metallic Gold
- MA - White
Graduate students do not wear ropes, cords, etc.
For more information regarding hoods and how to wear them, contact the College of Graduate Studies.
