At Portland State University (PSU), commencement ceremonies require all eligible graduates to wear formal academic regalia. This includes the graduation gown, mortarboard graduation cap, tassel, and for master’s and doctoral graduates, the academic hood. Regalia must be purchased in advance through PSU’s approved vendor or collected at the University Market Grad Fair.

All graduates wear a standard black gown and black mortarboard cap. Tassels are assigned according to the college or school conferring the degree, ensuring graduates represent their specific discipline. For master’s and doctoral candidates, hoods are included in the regalia package to indicate their academic level.

Academic honors are recognized with Latin honor cords: Gold for summa cum laude, Silver for magna cum laude, and Green for cum laude. These cords are provided to qualifying students who meet GPA criteria prior to Commencement. In addition, optional stoles, cultural stoles, or leis may be worn by students as permitted by the university.

Graduates must order and pick up their regalia before the ceremony. Only students wearing approved cap, gown, tassel, and hood (where applicable) are allowed to participate. Faculty and staff participating in the ceremony must also wear proper academic regalia corresponding to their highest degree.

In summary, Portland State University’s commencement academic regalia includes a black graduation gown, mortarboard graduation cap, and tassel for all graduates, with hoods for master’s and doctoral students. Honor cords in gold, silver, or green recognize Latin honors, and optional stoles or cultural accessories are permitted. Regalia must be purchased via the approved vendor or collected at Grad Fair. External listings for PSU graduates should reflect this standard cap, gown, and tassel set with optional cords or stoles, following PSU’s official regalia and tassel color guidelines.

Portland State University Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

At Portland State University (PSU), all students participating in the commencement ceremony must wear approved academic regalia. Regalia — including the graduation gown, mortarboard cap, tassel, and for graduate or doctoral students, a hood — must be ordered in advance via the University Market or approved vendor. On‑campus “Grad Fair” provides an opportunity to pick up cap, gown, tassel, hood, stoles, and other regalia items.

Cap, Gown & Tassel – Core Graduation Regalia

• Graduation Gown & Cap: The standard academic gown for PSU graduates is black. Both bachelor’s and master’s candidates wear a black gown; the doctoral gown is styled with velvet facings and bell‑sleeves per academic‑costume tradition.
• Tassel Color: Tassels are assigned based on the college or school conferring the degree. Each school/college has a specific tassel color according to PSU’s tassel‑color chart (e.g. Arts & Design, Engineering, Business, etc.).
• Hoods (Graduate & Doctoral): Master’s and doctoral graduates wear academic hoods as part of their regalia. The hood’s outer trim corresponds to the college or school’s official color, while the interior lining reflects PSU’s institutional colors.

Honor Cords, Stoles & Recognition Accessories

PSU recognizes academic honors via Latin‑honor cords: Gold cord for summa cum laude, Silver for magna cum laude, and Green for cum laude. Students eligible for Latin honors receive their honor cords at gown distribution ahead of Commencement.

In addition, optional stoles — such as the “Stole of Gratitude” — cultural stoles, leis, or other personal or recognition accessories (e.g. affinity stoles) are permitted. Students may order these extras through the University Market or the approved regalia vendor.

Ordering & Ceremony Participation Requirements

Graduates must order regalia online or pick it up at the on‑campus Grad Fair prior to the commencement. Only those wearing the approved cap, gown, tassel (and hood when applicable) are allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Implications for External Cap & Gown / Tassel Set Listings

• External “PSU cap & gown sets” should default to a black graduation gown + mortarboard cap + tassel (with buyer selection of tassel color matching their college/major per PSU’s tassel‑color chart).
• For master’s or doctoral listings, include an academic hood and note that hood trim must reflect the college’s designated color.
• Honor cords (gold, silver, green) should be offered as optional add‑ons for Latin‑honor graduates.
• Optional stoles, cultural stoles, or leis may be offered for personalization but must be clearly labeled as non‑mandatory accessories.
• Product descriptions should avoid generic “one‑color‑fits‑all” tassel or regalia color schemes — instead refer to PSU’s official tassel‑color chart and degree‑level distinctions.

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