Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) celebrates commencement each spring with a formal academic procession showcasing traditional academic regalia including graduation gown, graduation cap, tassels, honor cords, and stoles. The main ceremony takes place in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium and is often preceded by baccalaureate events; graduates enter through the historic Murdock Hall gate as part of a legacy procession that links the ritual to the college’s origins.

The standard graduation gown for bachelor’s candidates is a classic black gown; advanced degrees include hoods or more elaborate gowns per academic costume code. Mortarboard caps with tassels are typical for undergraduates; tassels are worn on the right and moved to the left after degrees are conferred. Doctoral regalia, when present, follows national academic dress standards with velvet trim and distinctive tams.

Honor cords and stoles recognize scholastic distinction, leadership, service, and donor recognition. MCLA issues specific spirit cords for donor support and outlines procedures for honor society cords and departmental stoles in its Commencement Guide; approved stoles and cords may be worn when authorized by the Commencement Committee. Although the college does not publish one exhaustive color chart online, program PDFs list many recognized cords and wearing guidelines.

Faculty regalia includes gowns, hoods, and velvet panels denoting the highest earned degree and disciplinary colors consistent with the Intercollegiate Academic Costume Code. Students are directed to order regalia via Registrar and the Bookstore and follow published pick-up and application deadlines. Overall, MCLA’s commencement blends historic ritual and clear academic regalia standards to visually honor graduates’ achievements.