Central State University, Ohio’s historic HBCU, holds its formal commencement ceremony annually in May to celebrate students who have met degree requirements. According to its 2024–2025 student handbook, commencement is a deeply symbolic rite, steeped in academic tradition. CSU’s official university colors are maroon and gold, drawn from its unique heritage and mission.

Regarding academic regalia, CSU follows classic design. The graduation gown for bachelor’s and master’s degrees is black, with sleeve styles indicating the level: pointed sleeves for bachelor’s, long closed sleeves for master’s, and for doctoral gowns, velvet facings in the color of the discipline plus three velvet bars on sleeves. The cap (mortarboard) matches the gown fabric, while doctoral caps use velvet. Tassels are fastened at the top of the cap; graduates begin with the tassel on the right, and once their degree is conferred, they move it to the left.

CSU’s hoods reflect both its maroon and gold university colors and the academic discipline: the hood lining features CSU’s colors, while the velvet edging of the hood represents the graduate’s subject area. According to the Intercollegiate Registrar of Academic Costume, CSU’s hood-lining is maroon and gold. For Ph.D. graduates, the velvet binding reflects their field of study; for a Ph.D. in any field (for CSU), often dark blue is used per academic tradition.

As for honor cords, CSU awards a gold cord to those graduating seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above (with no “D”, “F”, or repeated courses). This reflects academic distinction but CSU’s public materials do not clearly document other stole colors or a broader color‑coded cord/stole scheme by discipline.

CSU Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Graduation Accessories

Prepare for Central State University’s commencement with this professional-grade academic regalia package, featuring cap, gown, tassel, and optional gold honor cord or departmental hood.

• Gown: Black cap‑and‑gown set, styled by degree level (bachelor, master, doctorate).
• Cap: Traditional mortarboard in matching fabric; velvet option for doctoral graduates.
• Tassel: Standard tassel with right‑to‑left shift at graduation ceremony.
• Honor Cord: Gold honor cord for eligible seniors (GPA ≥ 3.50) as per CSU Honors College rules.
• Hood: Satin hood lined with CSU’s official maroon and gold; velvet trim in discipline-specific color (dark blue for Ph.D.).
• Faculty Regalia: Custom gown and hood options available; includes maroon and gold themes and velvet accents based on faculty discipline.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Central State University, 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.