Oberlin College Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

Oberlin College’s official guidance for commencement indicates that “caps and gowns are not required to participate” in graduation ceremonies; participation is open to all eligible graduates regardless of regalia choice. ([oberlin.edu](https://www.oberlin.edu/commencement/graduating-students-and-families))

For students who do choose to wear academic regalia, approved vendors (the campus bookstore or local suppliers) provide cap, gown and tassel/hood sets. ([oberlin.edu](https://www.oberlin.edu/commencement/graduating-students-and-families)) The graduation gown follows standard academic-dress tradition, and the graduation cap is typically a mortarboard. The combination forms the basic academic regalia set — graduation cap, graduation gown and tassel — when students opt in.

Because regalia is optional at Oberlin, there is no widely publicized, up-to-date official color-by-discipline chart for tassels, hoods, honor cords or stoles. Historical records show that in earlier decades classes sometimes distinguished themselves by tassel or robe style, but those traditions were largely dropped in the 1970s when the student body voted to make cap and gown optional again. (See archival commentary on academic dress changes at Oberlin.)

Faculty and academic-procession participants still wear formal academic regalia — robes, hoods and caps/tams — reflecting their degree level and discipline, maintaining traditional academic-dress standards even as student regalia remains voluntary. ([historical references])

In practice, Oberlin’s commencement ceremony tends to emphasize personal choice and diversity in attire: many students forego cap and gown entirely, opting instead for dresses, suits or casual wear. Others choose to rent or purchase a gown and cap, especially for the symbolic “cap toss” photo moment. This flexible approach reflects Oberlin’s historic spirit of individuality while preserving the option of traditional academic regalia for those who want it.

In summary: At Oberlin College, academic regalia—graduation gown, graduation cap and tassel/hood set—is **optional**. Students who prefer may purchase a standard cap and gown set for graduation, but the institution does not mandate regalia usage, nor does it appear to provide a current, public discipline-based color chart for tassels or hoods. Faculty and official procession participants retain traditional academic regalia. This approach blends historical academic-regalia tradition with modern flexibility and student choice.

Oberlin College Academic Regalia — Cap, Gown & Optional Tassel/Hood

Official graduation caps, gowns and tassels/hoods available for Oberlin College students and faculty. Use is optional — choose traditional academic dress or personal attire based on your preference.

• Graduation gown: Classic black gown available for undergraduates and advanced-degree candidates.
• Graduation cap (mortarboard or tam): Traditional mortarboard cap included for graduation ceremonies.
• Tassel / Hood: Tassel or hood set provided for graduates who opt in to traditional regalia.
• Faculty & advanced-degree regalia: Robes, hoods, and caps/tams available for faculty and graduate-level participants.
• Optional Use: Regalia is not required — useful for students who want a personalized graduation outfit instead of traditional regalia.

Order your cap, gown and tassel or hood in advance. Whether you opt for the classic academic regalia or choose your own style, this set ensures you meet regalia standards if you choose to participate in photos and ceremonial moments.

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