Mitchell College

Mitchell College, a private liberal arts institution in New London, Connecticut, hosts its annual commencement ceremony on the College Green under a large tent each spring to honor graduates from bachelor’s and associate degree programs. The ceremony includes a processional, speeches, diploma presentations, professional photography, livestream access, and opportunities for family and friends to celebrate academic achievement. Graduates participate in rehearsal and class photo sessions leading up to the main event, emphasizing tradition and community celebration.

To participate in the commencement, Mitchell College students must wear approved academic regalia — a traditional graduation gown, graduation cap, and corresponding tassel — ordered in advance through the college’s bookstore or official regalia provider. While the official Mitchell College site confirms commencement details such as date, venue, and procession times, specific regalia ordering instructions are typically provided via student communications from the Registrar’s Office.

Mitchell College follows standard U.S. academic dress traditions, where undergraduate graduates wear a black graduation gown with a mortarboard graduation cap and a tassel that visually complements the gown and institutional identity. Tassels are generally placed on the right side of the cap at the start of the ceremony and moved to the left upon degree conferral, marking the transition from candidate to graduate.

Academic honor cords at Mitchell College are awarded to students who graduate with academic honors such as cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. These distinctions are typically represented by gold honor cords worn over the graduation gown to signify high scholastic achievement. While stoles and other adornments may be permitted, they are usually awarded by specific academic programs or the Honors Program and interpreted by the Registrar’s Office.

Faculty participating in the commencement ceremony wear traditional faculty regalia, which consists of black academic gowns, mortarboard caps, and academic hoods reflecting their highest earned degrees and disciplines. This traditional academic attire unifies faculty and graduates in a dignified, scholarly celebration. Mitchell College’s emphasis on academic regalia, including cap, gown, tassels, and honor cords, highlights achievement while providing graduates with a visually cohesive and meaningful commencement experience.

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