SCO holds an annual commencement ceremony for graduates. For example, the Class of 2025 commencement took place May 6 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis. The event includes presentation of diplomas, commencement address, awards (e.g. honorary degrees), and recognition of distinguished alumni. Attendance is reserved for graduates who meet all academic and administrative requirements prior to the ceremony.

Academic Regalia: Cap, Gown & Tassel — What’s Confirmed

SCO’s publicly accessible commencement information confirms that graduates participate in the formal commencement wearing academic regalia (cap and gown). The visual documentation and graduate photographs from recent ceremonies show traditional regalia — a cap and gown set — as the standard attire for degree recipients. This indicates that a graduation gown and cap with tassel are required for participation.

Honor Cords, Stoles & Color‑Coded Regalia — Public Documentation Status

Despite reviewing SCO’s commencement page and publicly available materials, there is no accessible official handbook, PDF or web page that defines a formal, color‑coded scheme for honor cords, stoles, or tassel/hood colors by degree level, academic honors, or discipline. The official public description of the commencement does not list “honor cords” or “stoles” as part of the standard regalia package. As a result, there is no verifiable public information about specific colors for tassels, stoles, or cords for bachelor, master, or doctoral graduates, nor any discipline‑based regalia colors.

Conclusion — What Can Be Reliably Described

In summary: For SCO commencement, what is publicly confirmed is that graduates wear a standard cap and gown with a tassel. There is no publicly available documentation specifying colored stoles, honor cords, or discipline‑based tassel/hood colors. Because of this absence, any product listing or informational content should reference only the standard cap, gown, and tassel — and avoid claiming unverified color‑coded accessories or regalia sets for SCO graduates.

Southern College of Optometry – Official Graduation Regalia Guide

Graduation at SCO requires approved academic regalia — graduation gown, mortarboard cap, and tassel — for all eligible graduates participating in commencement ceremonies. Below is a clear summary of what is publicly documented, and where color codes or honor‑cord/stole policies remain unspecified by program or degree level.

Cap & Gown Requirements for Graduation

All graduates must wear an academic gown (robe) and mortarboard cap as part of their official regalia package for commencement. This requirement applies regardless of the degree level or specialization awarded by SCO.

Standard Tassel & Regalia Set

Each cap‑and‑gown package includes a tassel, forming the standard graduation outfit for SCO graduates.

There is currently no publicly available guideline or chart that maps academic program or degree to a specific tassel or hood color at SCO.

Honor Cords, Stoles, Hoods & Discipline‑Based Colors

No public discipline‑color chart available: SCO’s published information does not define any mapping of academic disciplines, majors, or credentials to tassel, hood, stole, or honor‑cord colors.

No documented standard for cords or stoles: There is no publicly accessible policy describing a uniform system of honor cords, stoles or color‑coded regalia for honors, societies, or departmental recognition at SCO.

Guidance for vendors / buyers: Treat colored hoods, stoles, or cords as optional or custom add‑ons. If offered, these items should be clearly labeled with a disclaimer: “Color assignment for tassels, hood linings or stoles not publicly defined — confirm with SCO Registrar before purchase.”

Recommendations for Graduates & Regalia Sellers

Use only the official cap, gown, and tassel set authorized by SCO for commencement participation.
Avoid assuming discipline‑specific colors for tassels, hoods, or stoles — SCO does not publish such codes publicly.
If offering or purchasing custom regalia items (honor cords, stoles, colored hoods), treat them as optional or custom‑ordered and include a verification disclaimer.
Market standard cap‑and‑gown sets for SCO graduates without color variation; treat colored accessories as optional add‑ons rather than standard issue.

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