Shaw University

Shaw University Commencement Ceremony & Academic Regalia Overview

Shaw University’s commencement is a formal, dignified academic event. Each year, graduates, faculty, and dignitaries process in academic attire — cap, gown, and tassel — reflecting the long tradition of academic regalia rooted in medieval university protocols.

The robes at Shaw follow standard intercollegiate code: bachelor- and master-level gowns are plain black, while doctoral gowns are distinguished with velvet panels on the front and bell-shaped sleeves with velvet bars.

Graduation caps (mortarboards) are worn by all graduating students; tassels may be black or the color corresponding to the student’s field of academic study — while doctoral-level graduates’ tassels may be gold.

In addition to the gown and cap, Shaw recognizes academic achievement and service through honor cords and (where applicable) stoles: undergraduates with a GPA between 3.25 and 4.00 qualify for an honor cord. Graduate students are not eligible for honor cords at commencement. For veterans (active or discharged servicemen/women), Shaw also issues a special Veterans Cord.

The color scheme for honor cords distinguishes levels of academic honors: “Cum Laude” (GPA 3.25–3.49) graduate with Gold cords; “Magna Cum Laude” (3.50–3.74) receive Red cords; “Summa Cum Laude” (3.75–4.00) receive Burgundy cords.

Shaw also allows approved stoles and cords from recognized honor societies or service groups, but only those sanctioned by the University may be worn. Unauthorized adornments, jewelry, pins or non-approved sashes are not permitted as part of the academic regalia.

Overall, Shaw University’s commencement emphasizes the heritage of academic regalia — black gown and cap, discipline-oriented tassel or gold for doctoral graduates, and honor cords or stoles to denote academic honors or service — bringing together tradition, dignity and recognition of student achievement.

Shaw University Academic Regalia & Graduation Attire Guidelines

• Graduation gown: traditional black academic gown, styled according to degree level (bachelor vs. master vs. doctoral).
• Graduation cap: standard mortarboard, included in the regalia set.
• Tassel: included with the cap; tassel position or decoration must conform to University guidelines.
• Honor cord: awarded to undergraduates with GPA between 3.25–4.00; cords distributed at rehearsal.
• Graduate students (master’s/doctoral): no institutional honor cord at commencement.
• Decorations, stoles or cords from honor societies / organizations may only be worn if sanctioned by the University.
• Under-gown attire: business-style clothing and comfortable black shoes recommended; improper attire may disqualify participation.

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