Evergreen State College

The Evergreen State College, located in Olympia, Washington, holds its annual commencement ceremony on Red Square at its Olympia campus. The event typically begins around early to mid-June (for example, June 13, 2025). Unlike many schools, cap and gown are not strictly required for Evergreen grads — their commencement page notes that students may “make it your own,” and the college welcomes creative and personal regalia. Graduates pick up check-in cards during commencement week, and the school encourages decorating caps at a free cap‑decorating event.

In terms of academic regalia, Evergreen’s Greener Bookstore provides graduation gowns, caps, and other regalia. Rather than a fixed, traditional tassel color, Evergreen leans into flexibility: tassels can reflect personal style because the institution’s values support “creative garb.” For master’s degree recipients, Evergreen does use specific hood colors to represent different graduate programs: for example, pale blue for Master in Teaching, brilliant gold for Master of Environmental Studies, and deep turquoise for Master of Public Administration.

On the matter of honor cords or stoles, Evergreen does not publish a rigid, school-wide color chart. Their Tacoma campus, however, highlights Kente cloth stoles made from woven silk and cotton for some graduates — celebrating heritage and cultural identity. Also, students in the Native Pathways program may wear culturally significant tribal or indigenous regalia instead of conventional stoles or hoods.

Faculty regalia follows standard academic traditions: Evergreen requires faculty to robe (gown) during commencement, and hoods reflect their highest academic discipline. Because Evergreen welcomes creative personalization, students ordering academic regalia (graduation gown, cap, tassels, stoles) should review both the Greener Bookstore options and evergreen.edu’s Graduation & Commencement page to confirm what styles are acceptable.

Evergreen State College Academic Regalia – Gown, Cap & Accessories

Mark your Evergreen graduation with a uniquely personal academic regalia set. Includes a forest‑green graduation gown, classic mortarboard cap, and a customizable tassel. Add honor cords or stoles that reflect your achievement or heritage.

• Forest‑green graduation gown — rooted in Evergreen’s natural identity
• Mortarboard cap included for a traditional graduation cap look
• Customizable tassels — reflect your academic journey or personal style
• Honor cord & stole options — Kente cloth stoles available for Tacoma graduates
• Master’s hoods: Pale blue, Gold, Turquoise per program
• Multiple sizes available, durable fabric, easy order and return process

Important: Evergreen State College celebrates creative regalia — there is no fixed tassel, cord, or stole color chart for all students. Confirm your regalia color choices with the Greener Bookstore or Registrar to ensure they align with Evergreen traditions.

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