Modesto Junior College

Modesto Junior College (MJC), a part of the Yosemite Community College District, hosts an annual commencement ceremony each spring that celebrates graduates earning associate degrees, certificates, and transfer credentials. MJC’s commencement ceremony typically takes place at Pirates Stadium on East Campus, where graduates, faculty, families, and friends gather to recognize student achievement and the conferral of academic credentials in a festive academic environment. Graduates are required to apply for their degree early in the semester and RSVP for commencement participation. Eligible students receive information on purchasing or ordering their official academic regalia, including a graduation gown, graduation cap, and tassel set through the Pirates Bookstore prior to the ceremony.

Modesto Junior College’s academic regalia follows traditional academic dress guidelines with a graduation cap (mortarboard), graduation gown, and tassel. MJC’s graduation gowns are often purchased in the college’s signature color — a shade of blue consistent with MJC’s branding — to visually unify graduates as they process and receive their degrees (as seen in ceremony coverage). Tassels accompany the cap and gown and are typically worn on the right side of the cap before degree conferral and moved to the left after the graduate’s name is called, symbolizing academic accomplishment.

Honor cords are available for purchase at the Pirates Bookstore for students who meet recognition criteria set by MJC’s Honors Program or other scholastic achievement designations. The MJC Honors Program awards scholar cords and inscribed medals to students who complete the program requirements, including a minimum GPA and honors coursework, reinforcing the significance of academic excellence and visually complementing the academic regalia on commencement day.

Stoles and additional adornments may also be worn by graduates who are members of student organizations, leadership groups, cultural recognitions, or program cohorts. These stoles include colors specific to organizational affiliations and add visual distinction to the traditional cap and gown regalia sets. Faculty participating in the commencement wear traditional faculty regalia, consisting of black gowns, mortarboard caps, and academic hoods that reflect their highest earned degrees and academic disciplines. Collectively, Modesto Junior College’s graduation attire — from graduation gowns and caps to tassels, honor cords, and stoles — highlights academic achievement and creates a dignified and memorable celebration for graduates and attendees alike.

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