Johnson and Wales University

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) holds formal commencement ceremonies at its Providence, RI and Charlotte, NC campuses. Graduates ordering their graduation gown receive a standard black robe along with a square graduation cap (mortarboard) and tassel. For associate and bachelor’s degree recipients, the tassel is worn on the front-right of the cap before the degree is conferred, then moved to the left; for master’s and doctoral graduates, the tassel sits on the front-left, with doctoral soft-cap often featuring a gold tassel.

JWU’s academic regalia includes a hood for all degree levels above associate. Each hood reflects the graduate’s discipline and institution: for example, bachelor’s and master’s graduates wear a black hood trimmed in blue, white, and golden-yellow, representing JWU’s official colors. The hood lining varies by major: per the Providence campus guide, Arts is gold; Business is drab; Education is light blue; Occupational Therapy uses slate blue; Physician Assistant Studies is green.

Regarding honor cords and stoles, JWU recognizes a few specific ones. Undergraduate students with a 3.5+ GPA receive a gold cord, while those involved in select co-curricular groups (e.g. athletics, student government) may receive a blue & white cord. Students in the Honors Program with a 3.4+ GPA are awarded an embroidered gold stole.

Faculty and platform party (e.g. university leadership) wear their faculty regalia in the colors and styles appropriate to their earned degrees. Administrative officials like the president may wear specially designed gowns unique to JWU.

Overall, JWU’s commencement tradition combines classic academic regalia — black gown, graduation cap, hood, tassels — with symbolic cords and a gold stole to recognize academic and co-curricular achievement, while also aligning with Intercollegiate academic costume standards.

Johnson & Wales University Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Accessories

Included:

Black graduation gown – traditional silhouette for Bachelor’s, Master’s or higher
Black graduation cap (mortarboard) with attached tassel
Tassel rules: front‑right for bachelor/associate degrees (moves left after degree awarded); front‑left for master’s/graduate degrees
Academic hood (for bachelor’s & above) – black base with JWU trim (blue, white, golden‑yellow), and velvet edge color coded by discipline

Honor & Achievement Accessories (eligible undergraduates):

Gold honor cord – for GPA ≥ 3.5
Blue & White cord – for designated co‑curricular/leadership group members
Gold Honors Stole – for Honors Program graduates with GPA ≥ 3.4

Faculty & Platform Regalia:

Faculty and university officials wear custom academic robes and hoods appropriate to their earned degrees. Hoods and velvet trim reflect their faculty discipline and degree level.

Note: All regalia sets are compliant with official JWU commencement dress codes and the standard academic costume traditions adopted by the American Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume.

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