Metropolitan State University of Denver Commencement & Academic Regalia Guide

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) hosts formal commencement ceremonies each semester to celebrate students completing associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Each graduation event features an official academic procession, graduation speeches, and degree conferrals where candidates wear approved academic regalia including a graduation gown, graduation cap, and tassel set. Graduates must order their regalia through the university’s official vendor, Herff Jones, by established deadlines to participate in the ceremony. The commencement experience reflects long‑standing tradition and showcases academic achievement for students, families, and faculty.

Metropolitan State University of Denver Bachelor Cap & Gown – Tassel, Honor Cord & Stoles

• Graduation Gown Color: MSU Denver bachelor’s candidates wear a distinct blue graduation gown that embodies school identity and unifies graduates on stage.
• Graduation Cap: A coordinating mortarboard cap is worn with the bachelor’s gown for commencement.
• Tassel Color: Bachelor’s tassels are red and worn on the right before degrees are conferred, then moved to the left according to commencement tradition.
• Honor Cords: Graduates earning academic honors such as summa, magna, or cum laude may wear gold and blue honor cords with their gown.
• Stoles: Approved stoles from honor societies and student organizations may be worn to represent leadership, cultural groups, or academic affiliation.

Metropolitan State University of Denver Master Cap & Gown – Tassel, Honor Cord & Stoles

• Graduation Gown Color: MSU Denver master’s graduates wear the signature blue academic gown tailored with traditional master’s styling.
• Graduation Cap: The appropriate mortarboard cap is worn with the master’s gown.
• Tassel Color: Master’s tassels are navy blue, distinguishing graduate degree candidates in the ceremony.
• Honor Cords & Stoles: Graduate honor cords and stoles may be worn when earned by academic distinction or organizational membership.

General Cap, Gown & Tassel Sets

• Graduates must order their cap, gown, and tassels set through Herff Jones well before commencement to ensure timely delivery.
• The graduation gown serves as the core piece of academic regalia and visually unifies all degree candidates on stage.
• Tassels are worn on the right during the procession and moved to the left once degrees are conferred according to academic tradition.

Metropolitan State University of Denver Faculty Regalia Color

• Faculty Gown: Faculty participating in commencement wear traditional academic gowns reflecting their highest earned degrees; these gowns are typically black with velvet accents or trim that signifies terminal scholarship.
• Hoods & Trim: Faculty hoods include velvet trim and lining colors representing their academic discipline and alma mater under established academic dress conventions.

All Other Discipline Regalia Color

• Academic Discipline Colors: While MSU Denver does not publicly list specific hood colors by discipline, master’s hoods typically include velvet trim in discipline‑specific shades such as drab (business), kelly green (health administration), light blue (education), and citron (social work) to reflect academic fields.

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s commencement and regalia policies ensure each graduate’s graduation cap, graduation gown, tassels, honor cords, and stoles reflect academic achievement and uphold commencement ceremony traditions.