Southwest Baptist University Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

The commencement ceremony at Southwest Baptist University (SBU) brings together undergraduate, associate, and graduate students who have completed degree requirements or are within a few credits of completion. Graduates check in about one hour before the ceremony begins, typically held in the university’s Wellness and Sports Center. There is no formal rehearsal; line‑up instructions are given at check‑in.

All graduates wear the traditional academic regalia: a black gown and mortarboard cap with a tassel. For undergraduates, a purple stole bearing the university seal is worn, draped around the neck with the seal on the right — symbolizing membership in the SBU community and future status as alumni. Honor cords may be worn on top of the stole.

Honor cords at SBU reflect academic achievement for bachelor’s degree students graduating with honors: gold for Summa Cum Laude (GPA ≥ 3.85), silver for Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.70 – 3.849), and bronze for Cum Laude (GPA 3.50 – 3.699). In addition, a red, white, and blue cord is worn by students who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Students in the university’s honors program (the Gordon & Judy Dutile Honors Program) wear a medallion with their regalia.

For graduate‑degree recipients, regalia includes the appropriate gown and a hood (in lieu of a stole), following traditional academic regalia customs.

During the ceremony, caps are worn level, with the tassel on the left at all times. For men, caps are removed during times of prayer; women may keep caps on throughout. The regalia (cap, gown, stole, cords) is provided for graduates and becomes theirs to keep.

In short, SBU’s commencement integrates tradition and recognition: black academic gowns and mortarboards, purple stoles for undergraduates, honor cords and medallions for academic distinction or military service, and hoods for master’s‑ and graduate‑level degrees. This ensures graduates are honored properly in a dignified commencement ceremony.

Southwest Baptist University Graduation & Academic Regalia Sets

Bachelor (Undergraduate) Cap & Gown Set

• Black graduation gown (traditional undergraduate robe) — standard for bachelor candidates.
• Black mortarboard cap with tassel (tassel worn on left during ceremony)
• Purple stole bearing SBU seal — signifies undergraduate membership in the SBU community.
• Honor cords available for graduates with academic distinction:
  • Gold cord — Summa Cum Laude (highest honor)
  • Silver cord — Magna Cum Laude
  • Bronze cord — Cum Laude
• Optional red, white & blue cord for students with U.S. military service.

Master’s Degree Cap, Gown & Regalia Set

• Black master’s gown (longer / different sleeve style per standard academic regalia tradition)
• Black mortarboard cap and black tassel — typical for graduate‑level graduates.
• Academic hood (to be brought by graduate) — hood lining and binding colors reflect the awarding school and discipline.
• No undergraduate‑style stole; regalia follows graduate hood tradition.

Doctoral (or Advanced) Cap, Gown & Regalia Set

• Doctoral gown with traditional academic styling (with hood appropriate to doctorate).
• Cap / tam and tassel as per doctoral regalia tradition (hood and gown to reflect doctoral level) — following SBU’s regalia guidelines.
• Hood with lining and binding indicating degree‑granting school and field of study.
• Honor cords generally apply only to bachelor’s candidates; doctoral regalia does not typically include cords unless specified. (SBU cord guidelines reference undergraduates.)

Faculty & Other Discipline Regalia

• Faculty and other discipline regalia follow standard academic dress norms (hoods reflecting discipline, appropriate gown style, cap/tam as needed). SBU notes that graduate‑level (master’s, doctoral) regalia includes hoods with colors denoting discipline.
• Only approved stoles, cords, or hoods distributed by SBU may be worn; no unauthorized adornments allowed.

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