Southern States University – Official Graduation Gown, Cap & Tassel Guide
At Southern States University (SSU), graduates must wear the official academic regalia — graduation gown, mortarboard cap, and tassel — to participate in the commencement ceremony. Below is a summary of what SSU publicly documents, and what remains unspecified concerning regalia colors and additional adornments.
Standard Cap & Gown Requirements
Every degree- or certificate-earning student at SSU receives a standard mortarboard cap and a graduation gown as part of their regalia. To officially graduate and participate in the graduation ceremony, wearing this regalia is mandatory.
Tassel, Hood, Honor Cords & Color Variations – What’s Known vs Unknown
- Known: A tassel is included as part of the official regalia package.
- Not known / Not published: There is no publicly available color-chart that maps degree level or academic program to specific tassel, hood, stitch, or stole colors.
- No public mention of honor cords or stoles policy: SSU does not officially document the availability or color of honor cords, stoles, or other special regalia items for honors or program affiliations.
- Implication for regalia retailers or sellers: Any product listing claiming to offer “SSU-regalia sets by discipline or degree-color coded tassels/hoods/stoles” should include a clear disclaimer that actual color assignment is not defined publicly — prospective buyers must verify with SSU’s Registrar or approved regalia supplier.
Graduation Ceremony & Regalia Compliance
- SSU organizes official graduation ceremonies for all graduating classes across its campuses (San Diego, Irvine, Las Vegas).
- Only approved regalia (cap, gown, tassel) as provided via SSU is referenced — non-official or custom gowns are not supported by SSU announcements.
Guidance for Students & Regalia Buyers
- Obtain official regalia (cap, gown, tassel) from SSU or its approved supplier to ensure compliance for commencement.
- Do not assume discipline- or degree-based color coding — SSU does not publish such a chart.
- If listing or purchasing regalia items (hoods, cords, stoles), confirm with SSU Registrar or Bookstore whether these are allowed and what colors (if any) correspond to your program or honors status.
- Use disclaimers in listings: “Color assignments subject to SSU Registrar approval. Confirm before ordering.”









