Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

Rockhurst University holds its annual commencement ceremony in early May for undergraduates, and separate hooding/pinning or graduate ceremonies for master’s, doctoral, and nursing graduates depending on program completion dates. All eligible graduates must apply for graduation, receive a regalia order link via their student email, and order official academic regalia before the deadline to participate in the convocations.

The standard academic‑regalia package for Rockhurst undergraduates includes a flat black mortarboard cap, black gown, and a blue‑and‑white tassel.Graduate (master’s) degree candidates receive a black gown with extended sleeves and a hood. The hood’s velvet trim color varies by discipline: for example, Business degrees use a drab velvet, Education degrees a light‑blue velvet, and Nursing degrees an apricot velvet — each lined with Rockhurst’s blue‑and‑white satin.

For doctoral degrees, regalia includes a black gown with velvet sleeve stripes, a velvet tam instead of a mortarboard, and a hood with velvet trim corresponding to the discipline. For example: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates wear teal velvet stripes and hood with a short, fat gold tassel; Education doctorates (Ed.D.) wear light‑blue velvet; Occupational Therapy doctorates (OTD) use sage‑velvet hooding.

Rockhurst permits decorated mortarboards for undergraduates — provided decorations follow their conduct policy, remain flat, do not interfere with the tassel, and do not hang over the cap edges. Gowns and hoods must remain unadorned.

In addition to standard regalia, Rockhurst issues a gold honor cord to graduating students who achieve Latin honors (Cum Laude, Magna, Summa). Other honor cords or stoles are allowed only if issued by approved student organizations or honor societies. Unauthorized stoles or cords require prior written approval, with requests submitted by preset deadlines.

In summary: Rockhurst University’s commencement and academic‑regalia practices follow a traditional structure — mortarboard cap, gown, tassel for bachelors; hoods and gown modifications for master’s and doctoral levels; velvet‑color coded hoods to denote discipline; and gold cords for Latin honors. Optional organization‑issued cords or stoles are permitted when properly approved, and personalized cap decoration is allowed for undergraduates under specific guidelines. This system ensures recognition of degree level, program discipline, and academic honors while maintaining uniformity and dignity at commencement ceremonies.

• Mortarboard cap, academic gown and blue‑&‑white tassel — standard bachelor’s‑level regalia for Rockhurst University commencement.
• Graduate‑level set: extended‑sleeve gown and velvet‑lined hood in discipline colors (Business, Education, Nursing, etc.) — matches Rockhurst hooding protocol.
• Doctoral‑level set: velvet‑trim black gown, velvet tam, discipline hood, and gold tassel — formal doctoral regalia for DPT, Ed.D., OTD graduates.
• Honor‑cord ready — gold cord included for Latin‑honor graduates; supports additional approved cords or stoles from recognized societies.
• Optional cap decoration allowed for undergraduates — personalize your mortarboard while meeting rockhurst.edu commencement decorum guidelines.
• Suitable for ceremony, graduation photos, and keepsakes — regalia meets official Rockhurst requirements across all degree levels and disciplines.

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