Michigan State University Commencement Ceremony & Academic Regalia Guide

Michigan State University (MSU) conducts large-scale, formal commencement ceremonies each academic term to celebrate undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree candidates. These ceremonies reflect MSU’s long-standing academic traditions and emphasize uniform presentation through official academic regalia. Participation in commencement requires graduates to appear in approved graduation gown, graduation cap, tassels, honor cords, and stoles that align with university standards. MSU’s commencement processions highlight academic achievement while maintaining a cohesive, professional appearance across colleges and disciplines, making correct cap, gown, and tassels sets essential.

Michigan State University Bachelor Cap and Gown

• Graduation Gown Color: Bachelor’s degree candidates wear a traditional black graduation gown, consistent with MSU academic regalia guidelines.
• Graduation Cap: A black mortarboard graduation cap completes the bachelor cap and gown set.
• Tassel Color: Tassels may be black or discipline-specific colors based on college designation and academic field.
• Honor Cords: Eligible undergraduate students graduating with honors may wear gold honor cords to signify academic distinction.
• Stoles: Approved stoles may represent leadership roles, cultural recognition, student organizations, or academic honors.

Michigan State University Master Cap and Gown

• Graduation Gown Color: Master’s candidates wear a black academic gown with graduate-level sleeve styling.
• Graduation Cap: A traditional mortarboard graduation cap is worn with the master’s gown.
• Tassel, Honor Cord & Stoles: Graduate tassels often reflect discipline colors, while honor cords and stoles denote academic merit or professional recognition.

Michigan State University Cap, Gown and Tassels Sets

• Official MSU cap, gown, and tassel sets ensure visual consistency across commencement ceremonies.
• The graduation gown and graduation cap serve as the foundation of MSU academic regalia.
• Tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the cap before degree conferral and moved to the left afterward.

Michigan State University Faculty Regalia Color

• Faculty Gowns: Faculty members wear traditional academic gowns, typically black, representing their highest earned degree.
• Hoods & Trim: Faculty regalia includes academic hoods with velvet trim and lining colors that indicate discipline and degree-granting institution.

All Other Discipline Academic Regalia Colors

• Discipline Colors: MSU follows nationally recognized academic dress standards, with tassel and hood trim colors corresponding to fields such as education, engineering, business, agriculture, science, and the arts.
• Academic Identity: These colors visually distinguish academic disciplines while preserving a unified commencement appearance.

Michigan State University’s commencement and academic regalia standards ensure every graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, honor cord, and stole reflects academic excellence, institutional pride, and the ceremonial tradition expected at one of the nation’s leading public universities.