Community College of Aurora

At the Community College of Aurora (CCA), the commencement ceremony reflects the institution’s creative and inclusive ethos. Unlike many colleges, CCA does not require traditional graduation gowns; their Commencement Attire page explicitly states that “purchasing and/or wearing traditional academic regalia is not required or expected.” Instead, they encourage graduates to “wear whatever feels celebratory and authentic,” embracing personal style and creativity as part of their ritual.

For students who do prefer traditional regalia, CCA partners with Herff Jones to offer a custom package: for Bachelor’s degree candidates, a set including a tam (velvety cap), black gown, and tassel is available; there is also a Stole of Gratitude package. Master’s candidates may order regalia including a gown, tam, tassel, hood, and the same stole option.

CCA’s regalia tradition is unique: rather than the standard mortarboard cap, many graduates wear a tam, harkening back to medieval artisan guilds — a symbol of CCA’s strong artistic identity. For master’s students, the hood has a distinctive color scheme: the hood’s lining is red (school color), the chevron is blue (the second school color), and the velvet (degree) trim is white for MA, gold/yellow for MDes, brown for MFA, tan (drab) for MBA, purple for MArch/M AAD.

There is no public mention on CCA’s website of honor cords in specific colors, or of multiple tassel colors by program. The “Stole of Gratitude” offered via the Herff Jones package appears to be the only stole officially promoted.

Overall, CCA’s academic regalia policy balances tradition and self‑expression: graduates may opt for a classic black gown, velvet tam, and appropriate hood for master’s students, but are equally encouraged to customize their commencement look in a way that celebrates their personal identity, rather than rigidly following the standard cap‑gown‑tassel set.

Authentic Regalia Inspired by Community College of Aurora

Designed for CCA graduates, this academic regalia package balances tradition with self‑expression, echoing CCA’s inclusive commencement attire policy.

Black Academic Gown: Matte black robe reflecting CCA’s traditional gown option.
Velvet Tam Cap: Soft round tam instead of mortarboard—aligned with CCA’s artisan-inspired heritage.
Standard Tassel: Included in the set for a formal ceremony touch.
Stole of Gratitude (Optional): Add a heartfelt stole available through CCA’s Herff Jones package.
Master’s Hood Option: For graduate students — hood with red lining, blue chevron, and velvet trim in a color based on degree: white (MA), gold (MDes), brown (MFA), drab (MBA), purple (MArch/MAAD).
Care & Fit: Hang gown early or steam in a bathroom; iron only with a protective cloth.

Perfect for CCA graduates who value both academic tradition and personal style.

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