Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University – Commencement & Academic Regalia

Graduates at Northwest Missouri State University order their cap and gown through the official “Cap and Gown” ordering system once approved as candidates for graduation. Instructions are emailed at the end of September, and orders must be completed by a stated deadline. Pick‑up is organized in early December (for December commencement) or per ceremony schedule.

For undergraduates, the standard academic dress includes a mortarboard cap, gown, and a tassel. Honor cords are distributed at the same time if the student qualifies. According to NMSU, honors‑cord colors are awarded based on GPA thresholds: Cum Laude (white cord), Magna Cum Laude (green cord), and Summa Cum Laude (gold cord).

For graduate‑level candidates (master’s or specialist), a hood is provided along with gown and cap during distribution.

At the ceremony, tassels begin on the right of the cap and are moved to the left after degrees are conferred.

Regarding regalia color by discipline or academic field: NMSU follows a standard academic‑regalia color coding for hoods and tassels. For example, the institution’s 2025 Commencement program lists common discipline colors such as White for Arts & Letters, Drab for Business, Light Blue for Education, Golden Yellow for Science, Pink for Music, Dark Blue for Philosophy, among others.

Faculty members, dignitaries (such as Board of Regents) and doctoral‑ or advanced‑degree recipients wear the appropriate full academic regalia — including velvet‑trimmed gowns, hoods, and discipline‑color velvet panels or tassels corresponding to their degree and field of study.

Importantly: NMSU requires that gowns distributed for graduation be returned after the ceremony; graduates may only keep items like the cap, tassel, hood (if applicable), and honor cords/stoles.

In summary: Northwest Missouri State University runs its commencement with a structured academic‑regalia system — standard cap, gown and tassel for undergraduates, hoods for graduate‑level candidates, GPA‑based honor cords, and discipline‑coded hood/tassel colors consistent with traditional academic regalia standards. Regalia distribution and return policies are clearly outlined, ensuring uniformity and compliance during graduation ceremonies.

Northwest Missouri State University – Official Academic Regalia & Graduation Apparel

This listing outlines the required cap, gown, hood and accessory standards for NMSU commencement — useful for graduates, families, or regalia suppliers sourcing proper academic dress kits.

• Cap & Gown Required for Graduation: Graduates must place cap/gown orders through the official NMSU ordering system and pick up their regalia prior to commencement.
• Undergraduate Regalia: Mortarboard cap, standard gown, and tassel; eligible students receive honor cords based on GPA (white for Cum Laude, green for Magna, gold for Summa).
• Graduate (Master’s/Specialist) Regalia: Cap, gown, and hood are provided; tassels or hood velvet trim reflect the graduate’s discipline per NMSU’s academic‑regalia color code.
• Discipline‑Based Hood & Tassel Colors: Academic fields map to standard regalia colors — for example, White (Arts & Letters), Drab (Business), Light Blue (Education), Golden Yellow (Science), Pink (Music), Dark Blue (Philosophy), among others.
• Faculty & Advanced Degree Regalia: Faculty, Regents, and advanced‑degree holders wear full academic robes with velvet panels, discipline‑colored hoods, and appropriate caps or tams.
• Dress Code & Tassel Protocol: Tassels start on the right; after degrees are conferred they move to the left. Gowns must be returned after the ceremony; cap, hood, tassel, and cords may be kept.

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