Howard Payne University Graduation Cap & Gown – Official Commencement Regalia

Commencement Ceremony Overview

Howard Payne University holds two formal Commencement ceremonies for eligible graduates, grouped by major. Graduates must pick up their approved cap and gown from the Registrar’s Office before the ceremony. Guests are invited, and the ceremonies typically take place at L.J. Mims Auditorium, with livestream options when available.

Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Tassel

• Graduation Gown & Cap: Official HPU cap and gown set required for all graduates participating in Commencement.
• Cap (Mortarboard): Standard academic cap included in the regalia set — required wear during the ceremony.
• Tassel: The mortarboard tassel is worn on the right side prior to degree conferral, then shifted to the left once the diploma is awarded, per traditional academic‑regalia protocol.

Honor Cords, Stoles & Faculty Regalia

HPU’s publicly available student handbook and commencement pages do not list any official color scheme for honor cords, stoles or discipline‑based regalia. There is no public record showing that tassel, cord or stole colors vary by major, degree level, or faculty. Thus, any additional cords, stoles or hoods are subject to special request and are not part of the standard graduation kit published by HPU.

Important Note for Buyers / Graduates

Because HPU does not publish a public chart detailing tassel or stole colors, customers should confirm with the Registrar’s Office or HPU Bookstore before ordering custom tassels, cords or stoles. Officially approved regalia is limited to the standard cap, gown, and tassel set.

Howard Payne University Graduation & Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Tassel Guide

Academic Regalia for HPU Graduates

• Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) Gown: Black (or royal‑blue/official school color) gown with straight sleeves, plus mortarboard cap.
• Master’s Gown & Hood: Traditional gown with oblong sleeves and degree‑specific hood. Cap and tassel included.
• Doctoral Regalia (if applicable): Gown with bell sleeves, velvet panels, tam cap, and hood — appropriate for doctoral candidates or faculty hooding.

Tassel & Hood Colors by Degree Program (as per last published HPU Commencement Program)

• BA: White tassel
• BPA: Peacock Blue tassel
• BS: Gold tassel
• BSN (Nursing): Apricot tassel
• BSW (Social Work): Citron tassel
• BSBA: Drab tassel
• Master’s (various): Tassel & hood colors vary by program (matching discipline-based scheme)

Honors, Cords, Stoles & Special Regalia

HPU allows eligible graduates to wear honor cords, sashes, or stoles representing honor societies, academic distinction (cum laude, etc.), or program‑specific honors. The colors and approval for these items depend on the society/program, not a universal university‑wide color chart. Example groups: honor societies, university scholar status, program‑based recognition.

What Is Not Defined Publicly

• No complete, up‑to‑date public chart mapping every discipline/major to tassel, hood or stole colors.
• No publicly available “faculty regalia color” guide — faculty typically wear regalia according to their highest degree and awarding institution.
• No guarantee that colors remain consistent across years; older commencement programs may not reflect current choices.
• Stoles or cords beyond standard tassel/hood are generally informal or honor‑society based and may require individual purchase or approval.

Note to buyers: Because HPU does not publish a universal, up‑to‑date regalia‑color policy, any cap & gown / tassel / hood set you offer (or buy) labelled “HPU” should specify that colors follow the last known official commencement program. Always advise customers to verify with the HPU Registrar or Bookstore before ordering custom tassels, hoods or stoles.

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