Stanford University’s commencement is a formal, tradition-rich ceremony that emphasizes consistent, approved academic regalia. Graduands typically wear the classic matte black graduation gown and mortarboard-style graduation cap, joined by tassels appropriate to degree level. Bachelor’s candidates wear the standard black gown with a mortarboard and a faculty- or degree-appropriate tassel; master’s graduates add hoods trimmed with velvet color denoting their discipline; doctoral recipients often wear distinctive doctoral gowns and soft tams with gold or bullion tassels. Faculty regalia follows similar institutional and Intercollegiate Code guidelines, with faculty gowns and hoods reflecting rank and discipline.

Official hood linings, sleeve trim, and stole colors are designated by Stanford and by academic discipline, producing a clear visual language on the platform: Stanford’s cardinal red frequently appears in hood linings or linings combined with discipline-specific velvet colors. Honor cords and stoles indicate departmental honors, societies, and programs; colors vary by school, department, and recognized honor societies and must comply with the university’s regalia approvals. Stanford-authorized vendors and the campus bookstore supply licensed regalia, offering purchase and rental options and guidance on return policies for rentals.

Together, the cap, gown and tassels sets — combined with hoods, stoles, and cords — create a cohesive, dignified presentation across commencement weekend. The result balances institutional identity with discipline-specific distinction, ensuring graduates, faculty, and officials present a unified, elegant appearance that honors academic traditions while meeting university guidelines for academic regalia.

Stanford University — Academic Regalia & Commencement Overview

At Stanford University, the commencement ceremony follows the traditional academic-regalia code: all graduates wear a graduation cap and gown, with additional hoods, stoles or honor cords depending on degree level and discipline.

The cap is the classic “mortarboard” in black cloth. For doctoral graduates, an eight-sided black velvet tam is customary, often paired with a gold tassel to signify highest scholarly achievement.

Gowns differ by degree: bachelor’s and master’s gowns follow the standard pattern of the Intercollegiate Code; master’s gowns have oblong sleeves. Doctoral gowns are more ornate—featuring velvet facings down the front and velvet sleeve bars (black or in discipline color), in a distinctive cut designed by Stanford.

Hoods (for master’s and doctoral degrees) are lined in Stanford’s institutional color — cardinal red — and trimmed with velvet in a color that reflects the academic discipline of the wearer.

Stoles and honor cords (used for honors, societies, or program designations) follow departmental or society-level conventions. Their colors are discipline- or program-specific and must align with Stanford’s regalia guidelines.

For faculty regalia, similarly, gowns and hoods represent institutional affiliation (cardinal red for Stanford) and discipline through velvet trim. Faculty may also wear doctoral-style gowns and tams, in line with rank and discipline.

Google Store Listing — Stanford Academic Regalia

Bachelor Graduation Set

• Matte-black graduation gown in traditional style
• Black mortarboard graduation cap
• Graduation gown color: classic black; cap & tassel complete the official look
• Honor cords & stoles: optional, department- or honor-society specified

Master Graduation Set

• Black gown with oblong sleeves, hood lined in Stanford cardinal red
• Mortarboard cap with tassel
• Leather-velvet hood trim: discipline-specific velvet color for field of study
• Honor cords & stoles: optional extras reflecting academic honors or affiliations

Doctoral Graduation Set

• Cardinal-red & black doctoral gown with velvet facings and sleeve bars
• Eight-sided black velvet tam (cap) with gold bullion tassel
• Hood: lined in cardinal red, trimmed with velvet in discipline color
• Honor cords & stoles: optional, discipline or honor-society designated

Faculty & Discipline Regalia

• Faculty gowns and hoods bearing Stanford identity (cardinal red) and discipline-specific velvet trim
• Caps: mortarboard or tam depending on academic rank
• Honor cords, stoles: available for faculty honors or roles

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