Ferris State University’s commencement ceremony is a celebrated tradition that unites graduates, faculty, and families in a dignified academic ritual. Candidates for undergraduate degrees wear black gowns with long, bell-shaped sleeves, while master’s graduates don gowns with oblong sleeves, and doctoral recipients wear black velvet-trimmed robes with three velvet bars across the sleeves. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} The academic cap is a standard mortarboard for undergraduates and graduates, and doctoral candidates may wear a tam.
Tassel color at Ferris State indicates the graduate’s field of academic specialization. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} For doctoral recipients, the tassel is either gold or black. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} The official tassel color chart in the commencement program defines colors for each college: for example, Arts, Sciences and Education is white; Business is drab/beige; Engineering Technology is orange; Health Professions is bright green; Optometry is seafoam.
Academic honors are recognized through honor cords worn by eligible students. Students graduating with honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude) wear gold honor cords. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} In addition, recognized distinctions — such as first-generation graduates — may wear special cords: first-generation cords use teal and yellow, symbolizing growth and knowledge.
Stoles and sashes are also used in some programs: for example, Kendall College of Art & Design (KCAD) provides silver, teal and red honor cords; multicultural and LGBTQ+ students have access to custom stoles to express identity.
Faculty and staff participating in the commencement procession are required to order regalia (gowns, hoods, caps) ahead of time. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} They are guided by their college’s commencement coordinator to ensure correct academic regalia, including hood colors, tam or mortarboard choice, and sizing. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} Graduates must attend check-in, wear correct cap-gown-tassel sets, and comply with the university’s honor cord and stole policies to be eligible to walk in the ceremony.
Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Ferris 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.