Saddleback College

Saddleback College Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

Saddleback College conducts an annual Commencement Ceremony, typically in late May, for graduates who have completed their degree or certificate requirements. Graduates must apply for conferral by the published deadline to participate in the ceremony.

Graduates receive a cardinal-colored cap and gown set, available for pick-up at the campus bookstore or on the day of Commencement. The standard academic regalia includes a mortarboard cap, graduation gown, and tassel.

Saddleback College permits approved adornments such as stoles or sashes representing student organizations, cultural identity, honors, or vocational achievements. Graduates may also wear recognition cords, pins, or medals issued by departments or student organizations. Multiple stoles can be worn if they represent different organizations or honors.

Academic honors based on GPA, such as cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude, are visually represented through gold tassels, gold honor cords, or gold sashes.

Degree-level distinctions follow traditional U.S. academic regalia standards: bachelor gowns are black and worn closed, master’s gowns have long pointed sleeves, and doctoral gowns include black fabric with velvet panels. Graduate-degree recipients may also wear hoods lined with silk and trimmed with velvet indicating their academic discipline.

In summary, Saddleback College’s commencement ceremony utilizes a cardinal-colored cap and gown for all graduates. Optional stoles, cords, or medals represent honors or organizational affiliations. Degree-level distinctions are signaled through gown type, hood, and velvet trim, while academic honors are displayed via gold tassels, cords, or sashes. This system ensures graduates have a visually consistent and professional academic appearance during the ceremony.

Saddleback College Graduation Cap & Gown

• Cardinal-colored graduation gown (official Saddleback College regalia)
• Graduation cap (mortarboard) included
• Standard tassel included; honors tassel/cord available for eligible graduates
• Optional stoles, sashes, cords or medals for honor societies, cultural identity or program recognition
• Caps may be decorated; gowns must remain unaltered per college policy

Saddleback College Honors & Regalia Options

• Graduates with qualifying GPA (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) receive honors tassel or cord at check‑in
• Honor society stoles or cords permitted (e.g. academic honors, club/organization recognition)
• Multiple stoles or cords allowed — enabling personalization (e.g. program, identity, achievement)

Commencement Regalia Notes

• Cap and gown provided free to eligible graduates via campus bookstore
• Graduation gown color: cardinal (standard for all), ensuring uniformity at ceremony
• Graduation cap must remain formal; tassel and regalia accessories follow college‑approved guidelines
• Gowns must remain in original state — no alterations or decorations allowed

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