Savannah State University

Savannah State University – Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

Savannah State University conducts formal Commencement ceremonies for its graduating students, celebrating their academic achievements with traditional academic attire and ceremonial protocol.

SSU’s academic regalia follows the classic “cap, gown, and hood/tassel” tradition. All degree‑candidates wear a standard black mortarboard cap with tassel; the gown style changes with degree level: bachelor’s gowns have pointed sleeves, master’s gowns have oblong sleeves, and doctoral gowns — where applicable — have velvet accents and sleeve bars.

The tassel color at SSU typically reflects the graduate’s field of study: the color of the tassel (and hood trim) differentiates the academic discipline, in accord with the generally accepted academic‑regalia color code. ([SSU Commencement Program PDF]) For example, some disciplines listed historically include “Golden Yellow” for sciences, “Light Blue” for education, “Drab” for business, “Pink” for music, “White” for arts and humanities, “Citron” for social sciences, “Scarlet” for theology, etc.

Hoods are worn by graduates who hold advanced degrees; the hood’s lining reflects SSU’s school colors (blue and orange chevron on a blue background), and the velvet trim aligns with the academic discipline color. ([SSU Commencement Program]) Honor cords or stoles for honors, organizational affiliation, or special recognition are not universally specified in public documentation — their use depends on the honor society or campus group policy rather than a fixed SSU‑wide color standard.

Faculty and academic staff participating in processional wear regalia reflecting their highest earned degree, as per SSU tradition. The officiating party — marshals, platform guests, deans — also follow standard academic‑gown designs for their rank.

In summary: SSU’s commencement uses the standard academic regalia system: mortarboard cap, tassel (color by discipline), gown varying by degree level, and hood for advanced degrees. Discipline‑specific tassel and hood‑trim colors follow convention (science, business, education, etc.). Honor cords or stoles are optional and use organization‑specified colors, not SSU‑mandated colors. Any cap‑and‑gown product marketed for SSU should reflect these verified guidelines.

Savannah State University Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown, Hood & Tassel

• Mortarboard cap with center tassel — standard academic cap for all SSU degree candidates.
• Graduation gown (appropriate to degree level): bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral — following SSU’s official regalia style.
• Hood included for master’s and doctoral degrees; hood lining uses SSU’s school colors (blue & orange), hood trim matches graduate’s academic discipline.
• Tassel color corresponds to academic discipline (e.g. Golden Yellow for science, Light Blue for education, Drab for business, White for arts/humanities, Pink for music, etc.).
• Optional cords or stoles for honors or organizational affiliations may be added — based on issuing society’s approved colors (not SSU‑mandated).
• Suitable for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral candidates, as well as faculty requiring formal regalia for ceremonies, convocations, or academic events.
• Important: Ensure tassel/hood color matches academic discipline; cords/stoles should represent official honors or organizations to comply with SSU ceremony guidelines.

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