Salem State University Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

Salem State University holds its commencement ceremonies annually each May, with separate ceremonies by school/college — e.g. health sciences, business, education, liberal arts — at the O’Keefe Sports Complex. Eligible graduates (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate‑of‑advanced‑graduate‑study recipients) may participate once the registrar confirms degree completion.

For graduates walking in commencement, SSU provides official academic regalia — cap and gown — at no extra cost. Students pick up their mortarboard cap and gown at the campus bookstore during a designated “regalia pickup window” in the weeks prior to commencement. Tassels, hoods (for advanced‑degree recipients), and additional regalia such as cords, stoles or sashes are handled separately.

Beyond the standard cap and gown, Salem State permits a rich variety of cords, stoles or sashes to reflect honors, academic‑program memberships, student organizations, service, first‑generation status, multicultural identity, veteran status, and more. The university publishes a detailed color‑coded list: e.g. white or red cords for Latin Honors; turquoise, deep purple, green, rainbow, and many others for civic engagement, summer‑bridge, community‑service, Pride, first‑generation status, etc. Stoles for student‑athletes, cultural/heritage groups (ALANA), international students, veteran graduates, and academic societies also follow specific color schemes.

For master’s‑degree holders, SSU uses colored hoods with velvet or trim indicating the academic field; tassel or hood colors are determined by degree or major following traditional academic‑regalia conventions. ([salemstate.edu Commencement Regalia]) Doctoral degrees and faculty regalia follow standard academic‑dress norms (mortarbboard or tam, hood, gown with trim), although public published pages emphasize cap, gown, hood and cords only for graduates and do not explicitly specify separate "faculty regalia colors."

In short: Salem State University’s commencement attire policy balances consistency and individual recognition — a standardized cap and gown for all, plus a well‑documented, color‑coded system of cords/stoles/hoods for honors, heritage, achievement, or academic discipline. This ensures each graduate is ceremony‑ready but also allows personalization that reflects their identity, academic path, or honors.

Salem State University Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Graduation Accessories Ready

Prepare for your Salem State University graduation ceremony with this complete academic‑regalia kit — includes mortarboard cap and gown, and supports hoods, cords, stoles or sashes as per SSU’s published commencement regalia policy.

• Standard Cap & Gown Kit: Graduation cap and full‑length gown required for all SSU graduates attending commencement.
• Advanced Degree Ready: Compatible with master’s‑degree hoods, allowing academic‑field and degree‑level representation.
• Supports Color‑Coded Cords & Stoles: Works with SSU’s color‑coded system for honors, first‑generation, multicultural identity, civic engagement, athletics, veteran status, and more. ([salemstate.edu Commencement Regalia])
• Approved for Official Ceremony Use: Meets all requirements set by the Registrar’s Office for commencement participation.
• Comfortable & Ceremony‑Ready Design: Gown designed for graduation procession, stage walk, and photography — suitable for diploma ceremonies and keepsake photos.
• Versatile Across Degree Types: Suitable for bachelor’s, master’s, and eligible certificate graduates — ideal for a broad range of students celebrating university milestones.

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