Connecticut College

At Connecticut College, commencement is rich with tradition and symbolic meaning. Each May (and sometimes December), students process across Tempel Green, carrying white pine saplings which represent growth and connection to the college community. The ceremony includes a “laurel chain” tradition: juniors and sophomores dressed in white carry laurel garlands to lead the graduates — a nod to Conn’s heritage and honor.

In their academic regalia, Connecticut College follows the traditional intercollegiate code. According to their Commencement Program, the bachelor’s gown features long, pointed, untrimmed sleeves; the master’s gown has crescent-shaped sleeves; and the doctor’s gown includes bell-shaped sleeves with velvet panels. The headwear is either a standard mortarboard or an Oxford cap. For tassels, Conn uses black for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, and gold for doctoral degree recipients.

Hoods worn by master’s and doctoral students are lined with blue-and-white chevrons, reflecting ConnColl’s school colors. The velvet trim on the hood corresponds to the graduate’s major, though the official color chart for each discipline is not publicly listed in the program.

Regarding honors, Connecticut College awards honor cords, sashes, or stoles to students in honor societies or for academic achievement, according to their tradition. However, Latin Honors are not displayed via cords: the college FAQ clarifies that there is no cord for cum laude, magna, or summa — instead, honors are simply noted in the printed Commencement program.

Faculty regalia aligns with the student academic dress: faculty hoods have the same blue-and-white lining, and their velvet facing also indicates their academic discipline — matching the student hood system.

In summary, Connecticut College’s commencement is deeply symbolic, combining sapling and laurel traditions with dignified academic regalia. Graduates wear black gowns, discipline‑trimmed hoods, and tassels matching their degree level, while honor recognition is handled through robes and printed program honors rather than cords.

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