College of Saint Scholastica

The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) holds a formal spring commencement ceremony in May at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (Amsoil Arena), accompanied by a traditional Mass the day before. The College of St. Scholastica Graduates check in one hour before the ceremony, and a reception follows immediately afterward.

When students order their cap and gown, they receive a four-piece regalia set that includes a black gown, mortarboard graduation cap, a tassel, and a stole. For undergraduates, the cost is $45; master’s sets are priced at $60, and doctoral regalia is more premium. The Latin honor cords (for honors like Cum Laude, Magna, Summa) are not included in the package – eligible students are notified by the Registrar, and cords are distributed at check-in on the morning of commencement.

CSS graduates who earn a master’s or doctoral degree receive a hood: master’s students are hooded at check-in on commencement day, and doctoral graduates also process with their hood and wear it on stage. The tassel colors vary: for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, the tassel is royal blue and gold, while EdD (doctorate) tassels are light blue.

One unique feature of CSS regalia is the Stole of Gratitude, which is gold in color. Every graduate must wear it during the ceremony, and afterward, they may personally present the gold stole to someone who supported them — a mentor, family member, or friend — as a symbol of gratitude.

In summary, CSS’s commencement combines tradition and personal meaning: graduates wear a black graduation gown and cap, with a two-tone tassel keyed to degree level, Latin honor cords for honors students, and a gold Stole of Gratitude to honor special supporters. Faculty and other regalia are not extensively detailed in public handbooks, but the hooding process clearly distinguishes advanced degree candidates.

CSS Academic Regalia – Graduation Cap, Gown & Stole Ensemble

Celebrate your College of Saint Scholastica achievement with thoughtfully designed academic regalia.

• Graduation Gown: Classic black robe, tailored for a dignified academic look.
• Mortarboard Cap: Traditional square cap with a coordinated tassel.
• Tassels: Royal blue & gold for bachelor’s and master’s graduates; doctoral tassels may vary (light blue or discipline-specific).
• Honor Cords: Latin honors cords (Cum Laude, Magna, Summa) distributed by the Registrar at check-in.
• Stole of Gratitude: Gold stole included with every set; wear it during commencement and then present it to a person of support after the ceremony.
• Hooding: Master’s students are hooded at check-in; doctoral graduates process and are hooded on stage.
• Meaningful Symbolism: Regalia reflects CSS values, Benedictine tradition, and gratitude for mentors and family.

Order your CSS regalia set to honor your graduation day in style, tradition, and heart.

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