Smith College

Smith College Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

Smith College requires that all graduates participating in commencement wear official academic regalia. Caps, gowns and hoods (when applicable) are standard for Commencement — reflecting long‑standing tradition at the College.

For undergraduates receiving bachelor’s degrees, the gown has long, pointed sleeves; master’s gowns have fuller closed sleeves with arm or wrist slits; doctoral or highest academic‑degree robes (as worn by faculty or honorary degree recipients) commonly feature velvet edging down the front and three velvet sleeve bars. The length and velvet trim of the hood vary by highest degree earned.

Academic colors at Smith College follow standard academic‑regalia conventions: the color of the velvet on the hood and sleeve bars signals the graduate’s field of study: e.g., white for arts and letters, light blue for education, brown for fine arts, pink for music, dark blue for philosophy, and yellow for science. The satin lining of the hood reflects the degree‑granting institution.

Graduates may also wear college‑issued honor cords or stoles, subject to Smith’s rules. The College Bookstore provides caps, gowns, hoods, and tassels; tassels are available for pickup prior to Commencement. Financial‑aid recipients may apply to a Regalia Loan Program lottery if needed.

In short: Smith College enforces a comprehensive academic‑regalia policy for Commencement. Graduation gowns and caps are mandatory; gown style (sleeves) indicates degree level; hoods and velvet trim reflect academic discipline; and honor cords/stoles can be worn if issued. The regalia visually communicates both degree and field of study — ensuring a dignified and uniform ceremony for all graduates.

Smith College Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

• Cap & gown mandatory for graduates – Smith College requires all degree candidates to wear official academic regalia for commencement, including cap and gown (plus hood if applicable).
• Gown style varies by degree level – Bachelor’s gowns: pointed sleeves; Master’s gowns: closed sleeves with slit; Doctoral/Faculty robes: open robes with velvet trim and sleeve bars.
• Discipline‑specific hoods and velvet trim – Academic‑field is indicated via hood and trim velvet color: arts/letters (white), education (light blue), fine arts (brown), music (pink), philosophy (dark blue), science (yellow), etc. ([Smith College Academic Dress Policy])
• Honor cords / stoles permitted – Approved honor cords or stoles may be worn over the gown by graduating students who qualify. ([Smith College Graduation Guidance])
• Suggested listing text – “Official Smith College graduation regalia: black cap and gown for undergraduate; hooded, velvet‑trimmed academic gown for graduate or doctoral degrees; discipline‑color hood and optional honor cords/stoles — compliant with Smith College commencement policy.”

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