Odessa College Commencement Ceremony and Academic Regalia

Odessa College Commencement Ceremony and Academic Regalia

At Odessa College, eligible graduates receive a free black cap and gown set for commencement — offering a classic graduation gown, mortarboard graduation cap, and tassels. Tassels are worn on the right prior to the conferment of the degree, then moved to the left once degrees are conferred. Students are instructed not to decorate caps.

Honor cords and stoles are used to signify academic honors, leadership, athletic achievements, veteran status, and membership in honor societies such as Phi Theta Kappa or NSLS. Examples: Silver cords for cum laude/magna/summa honors; Gold for PTK; Royal Blue & White for athletes; Red‑White‑Blue for veterans; Black & Silver for NSLS.

Graduates wear semi‑formal attire under the gown — dress pants or skirts/dresses and appropriate footwear — ensuring a dignified graduation ceremony.

Odessa College holds official graduation ceremonies each semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) for students completing degrees, certificates, or credentials.

Graduates who commit to participating receive one free cap and gown set reserved by the college — extra items such as tassels, stoles, and honor cords may be purchased separately.

Academic Regalia

The standard academic regalia at Odessa College follows the classic U.S. model: a black mortarboard cap, black gown, and a tassel. During the ceremony, the cap is worn level, with the tassel initially on the right; upon conferment of the degree, graduates typically shift the tassel to the left. Graduates are instructed not to decorate their caps — decorated caps will be removed or replaced.

Honor Cords and Stoles

Honor cords and stoles are used to indicate academic honors, student leadership, and special recognitions. Examples include:

• Silver Cord: academic honors (cum laude, magna, summa)
• Royal Blue: student‑body government officers or senators
• Green: philanthropy participation
• Light Blue: officers in campus student organizations
• Gold: members of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
• Black & Silver: members of National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
• Royal Blue & Silver: graduates earning a college degree before finishing high school
• Royal Blue & White: Odessa College athletes
• Red, White & Blue: military veterans or active-duty servicemembers
• A distinctive pin for first-generation college students may also be worn

Students eligible for organizational or honor society regalia (PTK, NSLS, etc.) may wear their own purchased stoles, cords, and tassels, subject to college approval.

Dress Code

Underneath the academic gown, students are expected to dress in semi-formal attire: dress pants, skirts or dresses, and shoes suitable for climbing stairs.

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