Dordt University holds two commencement ceremonies annually — one for undergraduates and another for master’s-level students. On May 9, 2025, Dordt will host its Undergraduate Commencement at 9:30 AM in B.J. Haan Auditorium, followed by a Master’s Commencement & Hooding Ceremony at 2:00 PM. The undergraduate ceremony features a worship service including a procession in full academic regalia by faculty and the conferral of bachelor’s diplomas. The master’s hooding ceremony honors graduate students’ achievement before they receive their diplomas.

On the academic dress front, Dordt University emphasizes traditional regalia: students wear graduation gowns paired with mortarboard caps, and master’s graduates additionally wear hoods. While the university does not publicly publish a comprehensive color-chart for hoods or velvet trim, the faculty procession in full regalia indicates a formal commitment to academic dress.

Regarding honor cords, tassels, and stoles: Dordt’s publicly available resources (commencement pages, student handbook) do not list a standardized system for honor cord colors or tassels recognizing graduating distinction. The student handbook also lacks detailed policy on regalia colors by discipline. Given this, it appears that honor cords or stoles may be determined by department or honor society, rather than by a simple, university-wide color scheme.

Faculty regalia is also traditional but similarly not fully color-coded in public documents. There is no clearly accessible document on velvet trim by academic discipline in Dordt’s website or store. Students or regalia vendors planning to order custom tassel sets, honor cords, or stoles should reach out to Dordt University’s Registrar or Campus Store to verify acceptable color usage and design.

In short, Dordt University’s commencement is steeped in formal academic tradition with classic black graduation gowns, mortarboard caps, hooded robes for master’s students, and flexible honor or distinction regalia — but custom regalia color details need verification via the Registrar or Bookstore, as they are not standardized publicly.

Dordt University Cap, Gown & Academic Regalia

Order your official Dordt University graduation apparel — cap, gown, hood, and honors accessories — aligned with the university’s academic dress standards.

• Gown & Cap: Black academic robe and mortarboard cap for all Dordt graduates.
• Academic Hood: Worn by master’s students; trim color varies by discipline — verify for accuracy.
• Tassel Options: No publicly documented tassel color — please check with the Dordt Registrar or Bookstore.
• Honor Cords & Stoles: Not fixed in university policy; likely vary by academic program or society.
• Faculty / Doctoral Regalia: Velvet-trimmed gowns and hoods for faculty and advanced degree holders; color depends on discipline and degree.
• Important Note: Before placing a custom regalia order, confirm color scheme with Dordt University to ensure conformity.

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