Sam Houston State University Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) holds its commencement ceremonies at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. Degree candidates — undergraduate, graduate and doctoral — must wear approved academic regalia to participate in the ceremony. Regalia can be ordered through the university’s approved vendor or purchased via the campus bookstore.

SHSU standardizes regalia: the mortarboard cap is always black, and gowns are generally black for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The bachelor’s gown features long pointed sleeves; the master’s gown has a fuller cut with either closed or open sleeves; and the doctoral gown includes velvet panels and sleeve bars, consistent with traditional academic‑dress codes.

For master’s and doctoral graduates, SHSU requires hoods — the hood’s length and trim follow the standard academic‑regalia code: master’s hoods are shorter, doctoral hoods longer, with velvet trim indicating the academic discipline. Undergraduate graduates eligible for honors receive cords: SHSU provides honor cords for graduates awarded Latin Honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude) or other academic‑honor designations. Veterans and military‑affiliated students may wear a red‑white‑blue cord instead of standard honors cords, recognizing their service.

SHSU’s commencement policy mandates that graduates must purchase or rent regalia ahead of time — cap, gown, tassel, and hood (when applicable) — to be eligible to walk. No public SHSU document I found defines a public “stole color chart” by discipline, or public definitions for optional stoles beyond the honor cords / veteran cords. The public commencement materials emphasise the standard cap, gown, tassel, and hood (for advanced degrees) plus cords for honors or special designations.

In summary: SHSU adheres to classical academic‑regalia traditions — a black cap and gown, tassel, and hood (for master’s/doctoral). Undergraduate honors are marked with cords (gold or veteran-style red‑white‑blue), and graduate degrees carry hoods with velvet‑trim discipline indicators. No public evidence was found of an SHSU-wide stole color scheme. The system ensures consistent, dignified academic dress across all degree levels while allowing honor and service recognition through cords.

SHSU Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown, Tassel & Hood Set for Graduation (Undergrad to Doctoral)

Get ready for your Sam Houston State University commencement ceremony with this official‑compliant academic regalia kit — includes cap, gown, tassel, and supports hooding and honor cord additions as needed.

• Complete Academic Regalia Kit: Black mortarboard cap, graduation gown, and tassel — meets SHSU commencement standards for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
• Hood Ready for Advanced Degrees: For master’s and doctoral students — gown supports proper hood length and velvet‑trim hood to reflect academic discipline.
• Honor & Service Cords Compatible: Kit allows for honor cords (Latin Honors) or veteran cords (red‑white‑blue) for eligible undergraduate students — as recognized by SHSU.
• Approved University‑Issued Regalia: This set is sourced from SHSU’s approved vendor (Herff Jones or campus bookstore) — valid for participating in official commencement.
• Ceremony‑Ready & Stage‑Safe: Gown cut as per degree level (bachelor, master, doctoral), designed for safety on stairs and proper drape at stage walk — ideal for floor seating at the Coliseum.
• Flexible & Inclusive Fit Options: Available in multiple sizes to suit diverse graduates — essential for comfort during the procession and diploma receipt.

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