At California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), all graduates participating in commencement are required to wear full academic regalia, which includes a traditional black graduation gown, mortarboard cap, and tassel.California State University San Marcos The university emphasizes decorum: gowns must remain plain black with no embellishments, and decorated caps are allowed only if they remain flat, respectful, and appropriate.
Honor cords and stoles at CSUSM are handled by the colleges and student organizations. California State University San Marcos Latin Honors are recognized via a gold cord: students earning cum laude (GPA ≥ 3.5), magna cum laude (GPA ≥ 3.7), or summa cum laude (GPA ≥ 3.9) receive the same gold Latin‑honors cord. Stoles are optional and sold or distributed through various departments, clubs, and offices. Popular stoles include those for different academic colleges (Education, Business, CSTEM, Arts & Behavioral Sciences) and a First Generation Stole, available via the University Bookstore.
For graduate students (master’s), CSUSM requires a master’s hood in addition to the black gown and cap. The hood is lined in the university’s colors, and the velvet edging indicates the academic discipline, following traditional academic‑dress conventions.
Faculty members and doctoral candidates are also required to wear full academic regalia. CSUSM provides a rental option for cap, gown, hood, and tassel via the University Store. Participation in the faculty processional and seating requires ceremonial regalia; faculty cannot join without wearing the correct gown, hood, and cap.
Overall, CSUSM’s commencement ceremony honors tradition through a formal academic dress code that includes classic black graduation gowns and caps, gold honor cords for Latin‑honors graduates, and discipline‑specific master’s hoods, while also allowing personalized stoles for student identity and achievement.
Celebrate your CSUSM commencement milestone in style. This academic regalia package includes your graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cord, and optional stole or hood.
Order your official CSUSM cap, gown and tassels set now — perfect for honoring your academic journey on Commencement day.
Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at California State University San Marcos, you can reach out directly to the college's administration or the office responsible for commencement and student services. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic regalia.