Rockford University

Rockford University Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

Rockford University requires all graduates participating in commencement to wear approved academic regalia. Undergraduate students wear a traditional black gown, mortarboard cap, and a tassel. Graduate students (for master’s‑level degrees) wear a gown and an academic hood along with cap and tassel. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Tassel color at Rockford is degree‑program specific for bachelor’s degrees: for example, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) tassels are white, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) tassels are gold, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) tassels are apricot, and other B.S.‑based degrees share the gold tassel.

For master’s degree candidates, the academic hood identifies the student’s field of study. The hood along with traditional cap and gown distinguishes graduate‑level graduates from undergraduates.

Rockford University recognizes academic honors for eligible undergraduates: students graduating with honors receive a gold honor cord at commencement. In addition, students who are members of recognized honor societies or approved campus organizations may wear cords or stoles corresponding to their affiliation or achievement.

Students may also wear stoles that reference cultural identity or membership in recognized affinity groups on campus. Stoles are optional, not provided by the University, and are not referenced in the official commencement program.

Rockford’s commencement ceremony includes a formal procession led by marshals. Graduates check in an hour before their scheduled ceremony. At the right moment in the ceremony, bachelor’s‑degree graduates move their tassels from the right side of the mortarboard to the left, symbolizing degree conferral.

In summary: Rockford University’s commencement follows traditional academic‑regalia standards. Undergraduates wear a black gown, mortarboard cap, and program‑coded tassel. Master’s graduates wear a gown, hood, cap and tassel appropriate to their field. A gold honor cord recognizes graduates with academic honors, while additional cords or stoles are allowed for approved societies or cultural affiliations. This system balances uniformity and dignity with the ability to honor individual academic achievements and affiliations.

• Black mortarboard cap, academic gown, and program‑specific tassel — standard for Rockford University bachelor’s graduates.
• Graduate‑level regalia option — gown, hood, cap, and tassel for master’s degree recipients.
• Gold honor cord support for graduating with honors; compatible with additional approved cords or stoles from member societies or organizations.
• Allows optional approved stoles for cultural identity or campus group affiliation — not supplied by the university but recognized at commencement.
• Ceremony and keepsake‑ready — perfect for the graduation processional, diploma walk, photos, and future memorabilia.

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