College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) hosts its annual commencement ceremony in late May across multiple days, aligned with its different schools (Arts & Communication, Science, Business, Engineering). Graduates must order their cap and gown through the TCNJ Bookstore in advance; there is a Grad Fair for pick-up or the option to have regalia shipped to their home.

According to TCNJ’s commencement site, the academic regalia includes a blue-and-gold tassel with the gown. Honors students are not given separate cords by TCNJ for Latin honors; instead, graduates may exchange the standard tassel for a gold “honor” tassel. Special cords, ribbons, or pins beyond that are not provided by the college; any honor cords must be obtained through an honor society or special organization.

Older official TCNJ commencement program PDFs describe a classic academic regalia pattern: black gowns for all degree levels. The hood lining for TCNJ graduate degrees uses the school color gold, while the “facing” (velvet) of the hood depends on discipline: for example, light blue for education, yellow for science, orange for engineering, white for the arts, and light brown for business.

Faculty regalia likewise aligns with this structure; their gowns are traditional, and their hoods reflect both TCNJ’s institutional gold and their academic discipline via velvet trim (as documented in formal commencement programs).

In summary, TCNJ’s commencement emphasizes classic academic regalia: black graduation gowns, mortarboard caps, tassels in the school’s blue and gold, and discipline‑specific hoods for graduate and faculty participants. Honor cords are not centrally issued, and stoles are not part of the standard TCNJ-provided regalia — leaving options like honor society cords or stoles to students and organizations.

TCNJ Academic Regalia – Graduation Cap & Gown

Official commencement regalia set for The College of New Jersey: a black gown, mortarboard cap, and blue‑and‑gold tassel.

Gown & Cap: Traditional black academic gown and square mortarboard for TCNJ graduates
Tassel: Blue and gold to match TCNJ school colors; can be swapped for a gold honor tassel for Latin honors students
Hood (Graduate): Gold lining with velvet facing in discipline‑specific color (e.g., yellow for Science, light blue for Education)
Honor Regalia: No standard honor cord or stole; honor students should order these through student organizations or honor societies
Faculty Gown: Faculty wear traditional academic robes and hoods in discipline-appropriate velvet colors
Pickup / Shipping: Orders via TCNJ Bookstore with options for in-store pickup or home delivery

This regalia set offers a refined and official look for TCNJ students, consistent with the college’s commencement and academic heritage.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at College of New Jersey, 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.