Stark State College celebrates its graduates with formal commencement ceremonies where official academic attire is required. All participating students must wear an approved graduation gown, mortarboard cap, and tassel set to walk in commencement. The college bookstore distributes cap and gown packages at no charge prior to the ceremony, ensuring graduates are properly dressed for their academic achievement.
Bachelor (and Associate)-level graduates wear the standard black graduation gown paired with a mortarboard cap. Tassels are black for general candidates. Members of honor society (e.g., Phi Theta Kappa) wear a gold stole and tassel, distinguishing their honored status during commencement. No additional cords or stoles are permitted unless officially provided by the college so as to maintain uniformity.
Master’s- or advanced-degree graduates (if applicable) follow traditional academic regalia guidelines: their gowns are accompanied by a hood that signifies academic discipline, with colors on the hood lining representing the field of study. Tassels remain black or follow discipline-specific design conventions. Honor cords or stoles may not be worn for general distinction, as academic honors are announced by name rather than by cords.
Doctoral-level graduates and faculty wear more formal academic robes, possibly including velvet panels and discipline-colored hoods, though Stark State primarily provides regalia for associate and bachelor-level degrees. Faculty participating in the academic procession wear standard academic regalia based on the highest degree they hold, following traditional dress conventions.
For all participants — graduates and faculty alike — the combination of cap, gown, tassel (and hood when relevant) ensures a dignified, uniform, and ceremonial appearance. Stark State emphasizes that only approved regalia from its bookstore may be worn. This policy preserves the integrity and solemnity of the commencement ceremony while honoring each student’s academic milestone.
Mark your achievement with a professional academic regalia set for Thaddeus Stevens College graduates. Flexible tassel and cord options allow for personalization.
Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Stark State College , 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.