Northwest Florida State College

The Northwest Florida State College commencement ceremony celebrates the academic success of certificate, associate, and bachelor degree candidates in formal commencement events held each spring and fall at Raider Arena in Niceville, Florida. Graduates walk in procession with faculty, receive their diplomas, and are honored with academic distinctions in a tradition that recognizes achievement and academic excellence.

Participation in the ceremony requires full academic regalia consisting of a classic black graduation gown, coordinating graduation cap (mortarboard), and a tassel. Regalia packages may be purchased online or at the campus Barnes & Noble College Bookstore prior to commencement, with extra tassels available for purchase at the bookstore during ceremony week.

In addition to the standard cap, gown, and tassel set, graduates completing baccalaureate degrees (BAS, BSN, BSE) must wear a distinctive baccalaureate stole to signify their achievement. Phi Theta Kappa members may wear PTK stoles and tassels, which must be purchased separately through the national organization and verified prior to the ceremony.

Honor cords are distributed during check‑in for qualifying students based on cumulative GPA and special designations: gold cords represent Summa Cum Laude honors (4.0), silver cords for Magna Cum Laude (3.80–3.99), and red cords for Cum Laude honors (3.50–3.79). Active duty military or veteran graduates are recognized with red, white & blue honor cords.

Faculty regalia at NWFSC reflects academic tradition, with faculty members wearing gowns and hoods representing their degrees and fields during the commencement ceremony. This structured academic dress — combining black graduation gowns, caps, tassels, honor cords, and specialty stoles — enhances the ceremonial experience and highlights individual accomplishments.

Northwest Florida State College Graduation Regalia – Academic Cap, Gown & Honor Accessories

Designed for Northwest Florida State College commencement ceremonies, this academic regalia collection includes the classic black graduation gown, mortarboard graduation cap, tassels, honor cords, and optional stoles for degree distinctions.

Graduation Gown & Cap: Traditional black ceremony attire required for all graduates.
Bachelor’s Tassel, Stole & Honor Cord: Tassel with mortarboard; a baccalaureate stole is mandatory for those completing BAS, BSN, or BSE programs. Honor cords include gold, silver, and red based on academic achievement.
Master’s Cap & Tassel (if applicable): Master’s candidates follow academic tradition with appropriate hoods and tassel colors according to their field.
Honor Cords & Recognition: Honors are signified by cord color — gold for highest honors, silver and red for academic honors, and red, white & blue for military/veterans.
Faculty Regalia Color: Faculty academic robes include distinctive hoods and colors representing their highest degree discipline.
Discipline Regalia Color: While the graduation gown color remains black, accents like hoods and tassels may reflect specific fields of study.

Honor your achievement with a complete Northwest Florida State College cap, gown and tassels set crafted for distinguished commencement tradition.

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