Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University (MWSU) in St. Joseph, Missouri hosts formal commencement ceremonies each semester where graduates celebrate academic achievement and degree conferral. Graduates line up in the Looney Complex and process into the ceremony prepared with official academic regalia, which includes a graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, and any earned honor adornments. All participants must wear approved academic attire to participate in the procession and diploma presentation.

Missouri Western requires students to order their cap and gown and tassel in advance through Herff Jones, with pickups available at events like Grad Fest or at the MWSU Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Students are encouraged to order by posted deadlines so their regalia is ready for distribution before commencement day. The gown design aligns with traditional academic regalia standards used at colleges and universities in the United States.

For bachelor’s graduates, the graduation gown and accompanying tassel typically reflect the university’s colors, and students begin the ceremony with the tassel on the right side of the cap, moving it to the left after the degree is conferred. Master’s students follow similar regalia requirements but also participate in a hooding process where a faculty member places a hood over the graduate’s shoulders, representing the advanced academic accomplishment. Tassels should remain correctly positioned throughout the formal hooding and recognition stages.

Honor stoles and cords provide additional recognition for scholastic achievements and personal affiliations. Undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher can receive an honor stole at check-in, symbolizing academic excellence. MWSU also offers legacy cords (for students with family alumni connections) in antique gold, military honor cords (red, white, and blue for service members), and sashes or medallions for international, multicultural, and first-generation graduates. These cords and stoles add visual distinction to the academic regalia and celebrate diversity and service.

Faculty participating in commencement wear traditional faculty regalia, including black gowns, academic hoods representing their highest earned degree, and mortarboard caps. Collectively, Missouri Western’s commencement ceremony and academic attire guidelines create a unified, celebratory event where graduates proudly wear custom cap, gown, tassel sets, honor cords, and stoles that represent both institutional pride and individual achievement.

Missouri Western State University Graduation & Academic Regalia

Shop official graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel and accessory sets for Missouri Western State University commencement ceremonies. Choose quality academic regalia and honor adornments.

Black bachelor’s and master’s graduation gown with coordinating tassel in official colors.
Master’s hoods available to reflect academic discipline.
Honor stoles for GPA distinction and legacy cords for alumni family recognition.
Military cords and special graduate sashes for international, multicultural and first-generation students.
Faculty regalia options with traditional black gowns and degree hoods.

Perfect for commencement ceremonies, graduation keepsakes, and academic achievements.

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