SUNY Brockport Academic Regalia & Commencement Overview

The SUNY Brockport hosts formal commencement ceremonies requiring official academic regalia for all graduates. Students participating in commencement must order a graduation gown, graduation cap (mortarboard), and tassel by the published deadline to walk in the ceremony.

Bachelor‑level graduates wear a classic black graduation gown paired with a mortarboard cap and a matching tassel. The regalia order delivered to undergraduates ensures they meet the standard commencement dress code. Additional honor cords or stoles may be allowed for students with honors or approved affiliations, following campus regalia policies.

Master’s graduates wear a master‑style gown along with a hood that reflects their academic discipline and institution. The hood is part of the academic regalia set ordered at the same time as the cap and gown. Tassels remain standard unless otherwise specified by the college or program. Honor cords or stoles may also be worn to signify honors or organizational membership, where approved.

Doctoral graduates and faculty may rent or order doctoral‑level regalia, which includes a more elaborate gown, hood, cap, and tassel set suitable for advanced degrees. Their academic regalia visually distinguishes them from bachelor’s and master’s graduates, using design elements and hood coloring based on academic discipline. Optional cords or stoles are permitted under official guidelines.

For all levels — bachelor, master, doctoral, and faculty — the combination of graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, hood (if applicable), and approved honor cords or stoles ensures a unified, dignified commencement presentation. Regalia ordering and rental are handled through the campus bookstore/vendor to ensure consistency in appearance and compliance.