Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University conducts annual commencement ceremonies for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree graduates who have fulfilled all academic and financial requirements. All graduates are required to wear traditional academic regalia tailored to their degree level. Bachelor’s gowns include standard pointed sleeves with a mortarboard cap and tassel, while master’s gowns feature a hood and mortarboard cap. Doctoral gowns may include a velvet tam with a gold bullion tassel, reflecting the university’s academic regalia tradition.

Hoods for master’s and doctoral graduates signify both the awarding school and academic discipline. The hood’s lining reflects the university’s signature colors, while the velvet trim indicates the graduate’s field of study. For example, Education degrees have light blue hoods, Psychology programs feature white, and other disciplines follow color conventions based on academic standards. Undergraduate tassels are worn on the right side at the start of the ceremony and moved to the left once the diploma is conferred, while master’s and doctoral tassels remain on the left.

Pepperdine recognizes high academic achievement with honor cords for Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude graduates. Additionally, military-affiliated graduates, including veterans and ROTC members, may wear a red-white-blue cord to signify service. Stoles may also be authorized by specific departments or programs but are generally optional.

Graduates are responsible for ordering regalia through the university’s approved vendor, Herff Jones. Rented gowns are returned after the ceremony, while caps, tassels, and any approved cords or stoles are retained by the graduates. Faculty regalia typically follows standard doctoral-style gowns with hoods reflecting earned degrees, but specific faculty hood colors are aligned with each school or discipline.

For vendors and suppliers, the required regalia set for Pepperdine graduates includes a gown, cap or tam, tassel, and hood (if applicable). Optional cords and stoles should be offered for honor recipients or special designations, such as military service. This approach ensures uniformity, professional appearance, and clear visual distinction of academic achievement during commencement ceremonies.

Overall, Pepperdine University maintains a dignified and formal commencement environment, balancing standardized academic regalia with visual recognition of individual achievements, honors, and disciplinary distinctions.

Pepperdine University Graduation & Academic Regalia Overview

Essential guidelines from Pepperdine University covering commencement attire — including graduation gown, graduation cap, tassels, hoods, and honor cords/stoles — for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral ceremonies. This overview is designed for graduates, regalia vendors, and sellers of academic regalia sets.

???? Pepperdine Commencement & Regalia Policy

Cap & Gown / Hood: Gowns for bachelor’s‑degree graduates come with the standard Pepperdine custom cap, gown, and tassel. Master’s gowns include a hood and mortarboard cap. Doctoral gowns can include a velvet tam option.
Graduation Gown Color: Pepperdine’s custom academic regalia uses the school’s signature color scheme (blue and orange trims) in its official gown line.
Hoods & Discipline Colors: Hoods for master’s and doctoral degrees feature lining and velvet bands that reflect the degree’s school and academic discipline — for instance, Education degrees have light blue hood lining; Psychology master’s use white; other programs use a discipline‑specific velvet band.
Honor Cords & Stoles: Undergraduate honor‑cords are awarded to graduates achieving prescribed GPA thresholds (Cum Laude, Magna, Summa). Military‑connected graduates (veterans / ROTC / active duty / reservists) are also honored with a distinctive red‑white‑blue cord introduced in 2022.
Regalia Ordering & Return Policy: Regalia (gown, cap, tassel — and hood if applicable) is ordered via the university’s approved vendor (Herff Jones). Rented gowns are returned after the ceremony; caps and tassels, and any approved cords/stoles, are kept by the graduates.

Implications for Regalia Buyers & Vendors

For vendors supplying academic regalia sets for Pepperdine University graduates: the required set depends on degree level — for bachelor’s students: custom Pepperdine gown, mortarboard cap, and tassel; for master’s: gown with hood and cap; for doctoral candidates: gown with hood, and optionally a velvet tam with gold bullion tassel.

Because Pepperdine uses discipline‑specific hood and velvet band colors, regalia vendors should offer hood color options mapped to academic schools (e.g., light blue for Education, white for Psychology, etc.). Honor cords (GPA‑based or veteran) and stoles are optional add‑ons for undergraduates or eligible graduates.

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