Hardin–Simmons University

At Hardin‑Simmons University (HSU), all degree candidates participating in commencement must wear the appropriate academic regalia: cap, gown, and tassel. The mortarboard cap is worn straight on the head, with the tassel hanging on the right‑front. Personal adornments or alterations—decorated caps, nursing pins, corsages, extra accessories—are expressly prohibited.

Graduates who earn master’s or doctoral degrees also don a hood; hoods and tassels (for graduate candidates) must reflect standard academic regalia tradition. The hood is trimmed or edged in velvet whose color represents the graduate’s field of study. HSU defines hood/tassel (or trim) colors by college / discipline: for example, graduates from the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts have discipline‑specific hood colors such as white for Liberal Arts, pink for Music, dark brown for Fine Arts, scarlet for Theology. The Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics uses yellow; Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing uses apricot; College of Health Professions uses sage green — while specialized graduate‑level health degrees use distinct trim colors (e.g. Physician Assistant Studies uses Kelly green; Physical Therapy uses teal; Doctor of Medical Science uses “medicine green”).

Regarding honor cords: students graduating with honors are issued gold honor cords by the Registrar’s Office. Students in the University Honors Program may wear their Honors Program medallion; however, no other honor cords are allowed.

HSU emphasizes uniformity and formal appearance at commencement: regalia must be unaltered, dark slacks (for men) and dark clothing/shoes (for women) worn under gowns, and no personal items allowed during the procession.

In sum, Hardin‑Simmons University’s commencement tradition follows standard academic regalia conventions: a black gown and mortarboard cap with tassel on the right (for undergraduates), tassel/hood colors tied to discipline for graduate candidates, and gold honor cords for those graduating with honors — all strictly regulated to maintain a dignified, uniform ceremony.

Hardin–Simmons University Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown, Tassel & Hood

Official Hardin–Simmons commencement attire ensures a dignified and uniform appearance. Suitable for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates — meets all HSU commencement requirements.

• Black Graduation Gown: Formal, classic academic gown required for all degree candidates.
• Black Graduation Cap (Mortarboard): Included with every gown set; standard graduation cap for commencement.
• Tassel & Hood (Graduate Degrees): Tassel worn on right-front; graduate hoods trimmed in velvet color coded by discipline (Liberal Arts – White; Music – Pink; Fine Arts – Dark Brown; Theology – Scarlet; Sciences – Yellow; Nursing – Apricot; Health Professions – Sage Green; Physician Assistant – Kelly Green; Physical Therapy – Teal; Doctor of Medical Science – Medicine Green).
• Honor Cord (Graduating with Honors): Official gold honor cord provided to eligible graduates.
• Regalia Compliance: No decorations or personal adornments allowed. Wear dark slacks/dark shoes (men) or dark shoes (women) beneath gown.

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