Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University – Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

Seattle Pacific University holds formal commencement ceremonies for graduates — both undergraduate and graduate — and requires official academic regalia for participation: cap, gown, tassel, and, where applicable, hood or stole.

All caps and gowns issued by SPU are standard: the gown color is black. For undergraduates, the regalia package includes a mortarboard cap, black gown, tassel, and a university‑issued stole. Tassel and stole colors reflect the degree and academic program of the graduate.

For graduate (master’s) and doctoral students, caps, gowns, and hoods are provided; tassel and hood colors vary depending on degree type and academic discipline. The hood indicates the graduate’s degree discipline, consistent with traditional academic‑regalia practices.

SPU provides honor cords for undergraduates graduating with academic honors (Cum Laude, Magna, Summa). Honor‑cord colors are standardized: white for Cum Laude, silver for Magna Cum Laude, and gold for Summa Cum Laude. These cords are free to eligible students and are picked up at Grad Fest or from the campus bookstore.

All graduates must pre‑order their regalia (cap, gown, stole/hood, tassel) by the announced deadline to ensure availability. Orders are typically fulfilled at SPU’s “Grad Fest,” where regalia is distributed and honor cords are provided to qualified students.

During undergraduate commencement, graduates wear their mortarboard with the tassel on the right side; after the degrees are conferred, the tassel is moved to the left before exiting the stage — following academic tradition.

In summary: SPU’s commencement attire policy follows classic academic‑regalia tradition. Undergraduates receive a black gown and cap, with tassel and stole tied to their program; graduates wear hoods matching their degree discipline; honor cords are awarded for specified GPA thresholds; and all regalia must be pre‑ordered and picked up before the ceremony.

Seattle Pacific University Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Hood / Tassel Set

• Official academic gown and mortarboard cap — required for SPU commencement ceremonies
• Bachelor’s set: black gown and cap; tassel color varies by college/program
• Master’s set: black gown and cap with degree‑appropriate hood representing your field of study
• Doctoral set: distinctive red & black doctoral robe, hood, and tam cap
• Optional honor cords or stoles — available for veterans or eligible honor‑society or program‑affiliated students
• Fully compliant with Seattle Pacific University commencement gown code and regalia guidelines
• Important: Tassel and hood colors depend on your academic college or program — please verify your program’s color code before ordering colored regalia items

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