Southwest Minnesota State University

SMSU requires that any student participating in the commencement ceremony must have completed all degree requirements, as verified by an approved degree check, before being eligible to graduate and walk at commencement.

All graduates must wear institution‑approved academic regalia: graduation gown, cap, and tassel — ordered via the official regalia ordering system. SMSU uses a “Discipline Color Sheet” to guide tassel (and hood) colors based on the graduate’s major.

Master’s and graduate students additionally receive a discipline‑color hood (as part of their regalia package) when applicable.

Honor‑eligible graduates receive honor medallions or cords/stoles — but only those from officially recognized honor societies or student organizations are permitted; unofficial or decorative accessories are prohibited.

Faculty are also invited to participate and may rent faculty regalia from the campus bookstore.

In short: SMSU’s commencement and academic‑regalia policy ensures a structured, official system — all graduates and faculty must order appropriate regalia (gown, cap, tassel, hood if needed), tassels and hoods are color‑coded by major (“discipline colors”), and only officially approved honor cords or medallions are allowed. This maintains consistency and academic tradition at graduation.

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) requires all students participating in commencement ceremonies to wear official academic regalia. Graduates must order the approved graduation gown, cap, and tassel through the official SMSU system. Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral students have distinct regalia packages that correspond to their academic level, ensuring proper recognition of each degree type.

The graduation gown color is traditionally black for bachelor and master levels, while doctoral gowns may include additional trim or velvet panels reflecting the discipline. Tassels are color-coded according to academic major, with specific discipline colors clearly defined by SMSU. Honor cords and stoles are available for eligible students, highlighting academic honors, leadership, and membership in recognized organizations. Only officially approved cords and stoles are permitted during the ceremony.

Faculty participating in the commencement are required to wear formal faculty regalia, which may be rented through the campus bookstore. Faculty regalia colors are standardized to maintain a consistent and professional appearance. SMSU ensures that all regalia — including cap, gown, tassel, honor cord, and stoles — adheres to university standards to preserve tradition and ceremony integrity.

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• Complete Graduation Regalia Set: Cap, gown, and tassel required for SMSU commencement ceremonies.
• Academic Level Specific: Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral regalia sets with appropriate trims and velvet panels.
• Discipline Colors: Tassels and hoods reflect the student’s field of study.
• Honor Recognition: Official honor cords and stoles for eligible students from recognized organizations and societies.
• Faculty Regalia: Standardized gown and hood rental for participating faculty members.
• Official Ordering Required: All SMSU regalia must be purchased through the official system to comply with commencement standards.

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