Samuel Merritt University hosts formal commencement ceremonies in spring (May) and fall (December) for graduates completing degree requirements. Graduates are required to order academic regalia — graduation cap, gown, hood, and tassel — via the university’s designated vendor.
Each graduate wears a standard mortarboard cap, graduation gown, and tassel, with an academic hood lined in SMU’s official university colors. Hood edging width varies by degree level: 2 inches for bachelor’s, 3 inches for master’s, and 5 inches for doctoral degrees, indicating degree hierarchy.
The hood’s velvet trim color identifies the graduate’s field of study: Nursing uses apricot, Physical Therapy teal, Pharmacy olive green, Public Health salmon pink, among others. This discipline-based color system ensures that academic achievement and area of study are visually communicated during commencement.
Samuel Merritt University’s commencement focuses on traditional academic regalia. Publicly available documents do not mention honor cords or stoles for student organizations, societies, or extracurricular achievements; the regalia consists of gown, hood, cap, and tassel only.
In summary, SMU’s commencement ceremonies follow classic academic regalia standards: mortarboard graduation cap, formal gown, hood lined with university colors, velvet trim signifying discipline, and tassel. Degree level is indicated by hood edging width, while field of study is communicated via velvet trim color. There is no publicly documented program for honor cords or stoles. This structured regalia provides a professional, visually consistent presentation for graduates across all programs.
Description: Celebrate your graduation from Samuel Merritt University with a full academic regalia set — cap, gown, hood, and tassel. Whether you’re earning your bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, this set meets SMU’s published regalia guidelines. The hood trim color highlights your discipline; hood lining reflects SMU colors; gown and cap deliver classic commencement appearance.
Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Samuel Merritt 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.