Georgia Southwestern State University requires that all graduates wear its officially adopted academic regalia at commencement. According to the GSW Graduation page, this includes a gown, mortarboard graduation cap, and tassel, which must be ordered through the Herff Jones vendor. Graduates wear the tassel on the right side before their degree is conferred, and only move it once the degree has been officially awarded.

GSW strictly permits only those stoles and honor cords that come from recognised GSW student organizations or campus honor societies. This ensures that the academic regalia is both uniform and meaningful, reflecting institutional values and honors. The university’s graduation checklist notes that for master’s degree candidates, the hood color corresponds to the student’s degree, while the tassel color for undergraduates also represents their academic discipline.

To graduate with honors, GSW requires at least 45 semester hours at GSW and a cumulative institutional GPA of 3.5 or higher, with distinctions such as cum laude (3.50), magna cum laude (3.70), and summa cum laude (3.90). The honor cords or stoles awarded reflect these honors, though the exact color scheme is determined by each honour society or student organization and must be approved by the Student Affairs office.

Logistically, GSW holds its commencement ceremonies in two groups (e.g., by college) in the Storm Dome. Graduates are required to check in ahead of time (about 30 minutes before) and line up in a designated area to maintain orderly processional flow.

In short: GSW’s academic regalia policy emphasizes consistency and respect for tradition. The standard black (or university-approved) gown, cap, and tassel form the core “cap, gown and tassels set,” and honor cords and stoles are carefully regulated to reflect recognized student achievements — ensuring a polished, meaningful commencement experience.

Georgia Southwestern State University Graduation Regalia – Cap, Gown & Honors

Key Features

• Gown & Mortarboard Cap: Standard-issue GSW academic robe and cap from Herff Jones. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Degree-Based Tassel: Color of tassel reflects the graduate’s academic discipline. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Honor Cords / Stoles: Only from GSW-recognized organizations and honor societies. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Graduate Hood: Graduate-level regalia includes a hood whose color matches the earned degree. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Latin Honors: Eligible graduates (Cum, Magna, Summa) receive medallions at check-in. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Cap Personalization: Graduating students may decorate their caps, but decor must not obstruct other graduates’ view. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Deadline to Order: Regalia must be ordered online by the published Herff Jones cut-off date. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Details

Georgia Southwestern State University’s commencement regalia package ensures a dignified and uniform appearance for all graduates. The gown, cap, and tassel form the core of the academic regalia, with tassel color aligned to your discipline. Honor cords and stoles are permitted only if they come from recognized GSW societies to maintain institutional consistency. Graduate students receive a hood matching their degree, and Latin Honors students are awarded a medallion when they arrive at graduation. Personalizing your cap is allowed — just make sure the design doesn’t block others’ view. Be sure to place your Herff Jones regalia order by the Registrar’s deadline to participate in the ceremony.

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