George Mason University

George Mason University holds a formal commencement ceremony each year for its graduates — undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral candidates. All graduates must wear approved academic regalia provided or approved by the university to participate.

GMU’s regalia tradition is distinctive: since 2004, undergraduates wear a green gown and mortarboard cap (rather than the traditional black gown) — a tradition initiated by the university’s Traditions Committee. Master’s and doctoral‑level graduates wear gowns plus colored academic hoods indicating their field of study; hood colors vary by degree discipline.

For bachelor’s‑degree recipients, the standard regalia package includes the green cap, gown, and a matching green tassel. For master’s and doctoral students, regalia includes gown, cap, tassel, and a hood whose velvet trim corresponds to the graduate’s discipline.

GMU offers an inclusive program called “Gowns for Grads”, which lends cap and gown regalia to eligible students (such as first‑generation, low‑income, Pell recipients), ensuring all graduates have access regardless of financial hardship.

Regarding honor cords, stoles, or additional regalia accents: undergraduate students who graduate with Latin honors (Cum laude / Magna / Summa) or other recognized distinctions are eligible to wear honor cords with their regalia — these cords are available for purchase at the university bookstore. GMU also supports special programs/events (e.g., for LGBTQ+ graduates via a “Lavender & WGST Cording Ceremony”) where additional cords/tassels may be issued — these are formally recognized and permitted with the standard gown and cap.

In sum: George Mason University maintains a unique green‑gown tradition for undergraduates, a standard cap‑gown‑tassel package, and discipline‑coded hoods for graduate students. Honor cords and special stoles (when officially recognized) add distinction for honors graduates or special cohorts. The regalia is typically obtained through the University Bookstore, with support for financially disadvantaged students through a lending program.

George Mason University Academic Regalia – Graduation Gown & Honors

Celebrate your academic achievement with the official George Mason University graduation regalia set. Includes green cap & gown for undergraduates, or full regalia with hood for graduate‑level degrees — plus honor cords when eligible.

Undergraduate Cap & Green Graduation Gown: Required mortarboard cap and green gown with matching green tassel for bachelor’s degree commencement. ([gmu.edu](https://www2.gmu.edu/spring-graduation))
Complete Regalia Package: Cap, gown, and tassel set available from the GMU Bookstore or approved vendor; hood included for master’s/doctoral graduates. ([gmu.edu](https://science.gmu.edu/degreecelebration))
Graduate Hood with Discipline Trim: Graduate degree candidates receive an academic hood whose velvet trim color denotes the field of study — enabling clear discipline recognition. ([gmu.edu](https://masonfamily.gmu.edu/commencement-2017-celebrating-masons-graduates))
Official Honor Cords: Undergraduate students graduating with honors may wear Mason‑issued honor cords during commencement. ([gmu.edu](https://registrar.gmu.edu/topics/honors-and-cords))
Approved Cords & Stoles for Program Recognition: University‑recognized groups or programs may supply cords/stoles for eligible graduates; unofficial accessories are prohibited. ([gmu.edu](https://masonfamily.gmu.edu/commencement-2017-celebrating-masons-graduates))
Accessible Regalia Rental Program: The “Gowns for Grads” initiative enables eligible students to borrow regalia at reduced or no cost, supporting inclusive commencement participation. ([gmu.edu](https://science.gmu.edu/degreecelebration))

Be sure to order or rent your regalia early, verify honors‑cord eligibility if applicable, and use only approved academic regalia to participate in GMU’s commencement ceremonies.

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