Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University — Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

At Saint Louis University (SLU), all graduates participating in commencement must wear the university‑issued academic regalia: cap, gown and, when appropriate, hood. Undergraduate gowns, caps and tassels are purchased (not rented) — ensuring graduates receive keepsake regalia rather than temporary rentals.

Gowns, Caps & Tassels

Gown style depends on degree level: bachelor’s gowns are closed‑front with long pointed sleeves; master’s gowns have long sleeves slit above the elbow; doctoral gowns have full bell-shaped sleeves with velvet facings and paneling. The mortarboard cap is standard for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, while doctoral graduates may wear a cap with a gold or black tassel.

Hood & Discipline Colors

For degree‑levels that require hoods (typically master’s and doctoral), SLU uses a colored hood lining in the school’s colors — blue chevron on a white field — while the velvet edging (binding) of the hood indicates the graduate’s academic discipline. SLU publishes a discipline‑color chart: for example, Arts = white; Science = gold-yellow; Business = drab; Education = light blue; Engineering/Technology = orange; Nursing = apricot; Law = purple; Medicine = green; Theology = scarlet; Social Work = citron; Public Administration = peacock blue; among others.

Honor Cords, Stoles & Other Adornments

SLU permits wearing of honor cords, stoles, medals or pins — but only those conferred by the University, recognized departments / schools, honor societies, or authorized student organizations. Active military/veteran graduates may wear a special red‑white‑blue cord. Use of personal adornments (non‑approved scarves, jewelry, or decorations) beyond approved cords/stoles is restricted under the Commencement Adornment Policy.

Summary

Saint Louis University maintains a structured academic‑regalia code for commencement. Graduation gowns, caps and tassels are standardized by degree level; hoods with lining and velvet trim reflect both institutional identity and academic discipline. Honor cords, stoles, medals or veteran cords are permitted when officially awarded. This ensures a consistent, dignified and recognizable presentation for all graduates — from bachelor’s to doctoral level — while allowing authorized recognition of honors, affiliations or service.

Official Saint Louis University academic regalia — cap, gown, tassel and hood sets following SLU commencement standards for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates.

Long Description – Cap, Gown, Tassel & Regalia Details

Saint Louis University requires all commencement graduates to wear official academic regalia ordered via the Billiken Shop. Undergraduate candidates receive a mortarboard cap, black bachelor’s gown and tassel. Master’s and doctoral candidates receive gowns (master or doctoral), a cap or tam with tassel, and an academic hood whose design reflects both the institution (hood lining in SLU’s colors) and the graduate’s academic discipline (velvet trim color).

The hoods are lined with SLU’s signature blue‑on‑white design; the velvet edging identifies the field of study — e.g. white for Arts, gold‑yellow for Science, drab for Business, light blue for Education, orange for Engineering, apricot for Nursing, purple for Law, green for Medicine, scarlet for Theology, citron for Social Work, peacock‑blue for Public Administration, among others.

Graduates may also wear officially awarded honor cords, stoles, medals or pins from the University, recognized colleges, or approved student organizations. Military and veteran graduates may add a red‑white‑blue cord. Non‑approved adornments are prohibited under the official commencement policy.

Regalia Packages by Degree Level

• Bachelor’s Set: Mortarboard cap + tassel, bachelor’s gown.
• Master’s Set: Cap + tassel, master’s gown, academic hood with discipline‑trim.
• Doctoral Set: Tam or cap + tassel, doctoral gown (velvet panels + bars), hood with discipline‑trim (hooding on‑stage).
• Honor & Recognition Add‑ons: Official cords, stoles, medals or pins — when properly awarded and approved by the University.

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