Hennepin Technical College

HTC’s commencement (graduation) ceremony follows a clear, inclusive regalia policy. According to the Graduation FAQ, on Commencement Day “you will be provided a cap, gown and tassel.” The college supplies all standard graduation apparel at check‑in — there is no need for graduates to pre‑purchase their academic regalia.

All graduates participate in the ceremony wearing identical regalia (cap, gown, tassel), regardless of previous degrees — even if a student already holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree, when receiving a certificate at HTC they must wear the standard HTC gown rather than older/fancier regalia.

For graduates earning special recognition, additional regalia is provided:

• If you graduate with overall cumulative GPA ≥ 3.5, you receive an honors medallion when you check in at the ceremony.
• Members of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) — who meet eligibility — receive a PTK stole at graduation.
• Veterans are given veteran’s cords if their student record indicates veteran status.
• Students in the support program TRIO Student Support Services receive a stole at check‑in.
• Students from certain campus organizations (e.g. Blacks Rising In Education & Academics, BREA) may receive custom‑crafted stoles for commencement.

Importantly: all graduation apparel (cap, gown, tassel, plus any cords/stoles/medallions) is distributed at the ceremony — none is available earlier.

Because HTC handles distribution on-site, graduates of diverse body types (petite to XXL, wheelchair accessible, etc.) are accommodated — there will be appropriately sized gowns and caps for all.

The actual diploma / certificate is not handed out during the commencement — graduates receive a diploma cover at the ceremony; the official degree/diploma is mailed later (roughly 12 weeks post-semester).

Hennepin Technical College Graduation Regalia – Cap, Gown & Tassel (Ceremony‑Provided)

• Cap, Gown & Tassel Supplied: All eligible HTC graduates receive an academic cap, graduation gown and tassel at check‑in on Commencement Day.
• Honor Recognition Items: Graduates with cumulative GPA ≥ 3.5 receive an honors medallion. PTK members receive a PTK stole. Eligible veterans receive veteran cords. Additional stoles/cords may be provided for TRIO, BREA, and other recognized programs or organizations.
• One‑Size‑Inclusive Regalia: Gown sizes range from petite to XXXL (with cap sizes adjusted as needed), ensuring all graduates — including those with mobility needs — are accommodated.
• Uniform Graduation Attire: Regardless of prior degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, etc.), all HTC graduates wear identical regalia appropriate for the degree/certificate being awarded — no external regalia allowed.
• Distribution On Ceremony Day: Cap, gown, tassel, cords, stoles and medallions are distributed only during graduate check‑in at the commencement venue — not available for early pickup or purchase.

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