Empire State University (SUNY Empire State College) holds formal commencement ceremonies marked by academic procession, speeches, and traditional academic regalia. The university requires all graduating students to wear a cap and gown, according to its commencement regalia policy. Undergraduate graduates wear a black graduation gown and a black mortarboard cap with a black tassel, while master’s graduates wear a similar black gown and cap, complemented by a master’s hood. The hood features satin in blue and orange chevron, and velvet trim in a color that reflects the academic discipline—e.g., light blue for Education, apricot for Nursing, drab for Business, gold for Information Technology, peacock blue for Public Administration, and white for Liberal Studies.

In addition to gowns, the university offers honor cords and stoles to recognize academic achievements and affiliations. For Latin honors, eligible undergraduates receive a gold cord. Membership in honor societies is symbolized by cords in community-specific colors—such as purple and white for the Nursing honor society Sigma Theta Tau. There are also cords for university and service affiliations: for example, teal and gold for the Student Government Association, and red-white-blue cords plus a corresponding stole for military and veteran students or their spouses.

For students who don’t own regalia, Empire State maintains a Commencement Closet, where gowns, caps, and master’s hoods are loaned out at no cost, supported by laundering services. The regalia program is financially supported by the Student Activity Fund, which allows students to own or return their regalia.

Faculty and administrators wear academic regalia per the intercollegiate code: gown, hood, and tassel color reflect their highest degree field. This system gives the ceremony a dignified, cohesive academic tradition.

SUNY Empire State College Academic Regalia

Short Description: Black cap & gown set with master’s hood, honor cords, and stoles.

Long Description: Celebrate your milestone with this premium academic regalia set for Empire State University (SUNY Empire State College). Includes a classic black graduation gown, mortarboard cap with a matching black tassel, and optional honor cords or stoles. For master’s students, add the hood lined in blue-and-orange satin chevron with velvet trim in the color of your discipline. Honor cords in gold, purple/white, teal/gold, or red/white/blue recognize Latin honors, nursing society, student government, and military service. Regalia is also available to borrow for free via the Commencement Closet.

• Black graduation gown and mortarboard cap
• Black tassel – classic and formal
• Master’s hood with blue & orange satin chevron lining
• Discipline-specific velvet trim: light blue (Education), apricot (Nursing), gold (IT), peacock (Public Admin), drab (Business), white (Liberal Studies) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Gold cord for Latin honors; purple/white for Sigma Theta Tau; teal/gold for SGA; red/white/blue for veterans or military students :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Free regalia loan program via Commencement Closet — cap and tassel can be kept, hood and gown returned :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Note: Regalia ordering is funded through the Student Activity Fund, to make graduation attire accessible for all SUNY Empire students. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

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