Graduates receiving a bachelor’s degree wear the SVSU “red” gown, while those earning a master’s degree wear traditional black regalia. Caps may be either the classic mortarboard or a soft beret, and the tassel color represents the graduate’s field of study; doctoral graduates optionally wear a metallic gold tassel.
For students earning master’s or doctoral degrees, a hood is worn, draping over the back of the gown. The interior of the hood shows the school’s colors (red and royal blue), and the velvet trim on the hood (and on sleeves for doctoral robes) reflects the academic discipline.
Undergraduates graduating with academic honors may wear honor cords over their gown. At SVSU, “cum laude” graduates wear a navy cord, “magna cum laude” graduates a silver cord, and “summa cum laude” graduates a gold cord. Hoods are reserved for graduate‑level degrees, so master’s and doctoral students do not wear cords.
The cap should be worn flat and level; undergraduates place their tassel on the right side of the mortarboard until their degree is conferred, after which many move it to the left; graduate‑level tassels are worn on the left. As typical for academic ceremonies, gowns for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees differ: bachelor’s gowns have simple pointed sleeves, master’s gowns have longer sleeves, and doctoral gowns may feature velvet panels and sleeve bars.
Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Saginaw Valley 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.