Harding University

At Harding University, commencement is held annually (end of spring semester, and a fall commencement also occurs). Graduates eligible to participate are those who have completed all degree requirements.

Formal academic attire for the ceremony consists of the traditional cap and gown; undergraduates wear the gown (without a hood), while graduate or advanced‑degree recipients don gowns with an academic hood. The hood’s lining is in Harding’s official colors — gold and black satin — and the velvet trim (if any) shows the degree field, as is customary in academic regalia tradition.

Decoration beyond the standard regalia is tightly controlled: no decorating or “bling” on the cap or gown is permitted, and only approved honor cords or ribbons may be worn — typically representing honors or membership in recognized university organizations.

For graduates receiving honors or recognized for organizational membership, cords are provided. For example, in the College of Pharmacy at Harding, different cord colors distinguish involvement: purple cords for one society, light‑blue/white for another, dark‑blue or royal‑blue plus orange cords for other recognized student associations.

At the ceremony logistics level, candidates assemble in a designated building roughly 45 minutes before start time; for example, for a typical commencement, men are instructed to wear a dress shirt with dark slacks, and women are asked to wear dark clothing and shoes under their gowns.

In summary, Harding University’s commencement ceremony emphasizes traditional academic regalia: cap and gown, hoods for graduate students (with gold‑and‑black lining), and approved honor cords/stoles — while prohibiting unauthorized decorations — ensuring a formal, uniform, and dignified commencement consistent across undergrad and graduate ceremonies.

Harding University Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown, Tassel & Hood

Official Harding University commencement attire ensures a dignified and uniform appearance for graduates. Ideal for undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral graduates, this set meets university regalia requirements.

• Black Graduation Gown: Traditional gown for bachelor’s and graduate candidates — formal, classic, unbranded design suitable for commencement ceremonies.
• Black Graduation Cap (Mortarboard): Included with every gown set — standard mortarboard for graduation cap and gown attire.
• Black & Gold Tassel with Medallion: Signature Harding tassel — worn on right for undergraduates and left for graduate (Master’s/Specialist) candidates. Doctoral tam comes with gold tassel.
• Graduate Hood (for Master’s/Specialist): Satin-lined hood in Harding’s gold and black, with velvet trim color based on your program/discipline (e.g. Nursing – apricot, Pharmacy – olive green, Physical Therapy – sage green, Education – light blue or white, etc.).
• Honor Cords & Stoles (Approved Societies Only): Add-on cords/stoles representing membership in recognized honor societies or campus organizations. Colors vary by society; customization (personal messages, non‑approved symbols) is prohibited.
• Faculty Regalia (Custom Order): Available separately for faculty — custom robes and hoods through the official vendor.

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