Syracuse University

Syracuse University hosts a formal and inclusive commencement ceremony where all graduates wear full academic regalia, including graduation gown, cap, and tassel. Undergraduate students wear a navy gown with a matching mortarboard cap and tassel colored according to their academic school. Master’s candidates wear a black gown, academic hood, and tassel, while doctoral graduates don traditional doctoral gowns with velvet panels, a hood, a velvet tam, and a gold tassel. Undergraduate tassels are moved from the right to the left side upon degree conferral, while graduate tassels remain on the left.

Faculty members participate in the procession in their own academic regalia, either borrowed or purchased, typically featuring a doctoral hood with Syracuse orange-and-blue lining or their degree institution’s colors. Master’s hoods feature velvet trim reflecting the graduate’s field of study — for example, orange for Engineering, lavender for Architecture, maroon for Communications, powder blue for Education, and other colors depending on the discipline. Doctoral hoods are lined in Syracuse orange with a blue chevron, and velvet trimming indicates the discipline, such as white for arts, dark blue for philosophy, and purple for law.

Syracuse University also recognizes honors and contributions through optional cords. Graduates who participate in the class-giving campaign may wear a cord in orange, white, and silver. Additional cords and stoles are awarded by individual schools, colleges, or departments, although Syracuse does not publish a comprehensive public color chart for all honor societies or distinctions. Mortarboard decoration is allowed if it remains flat, respectful, and unobtrusive.

Overall, Syracuse University’s commencement attire reflects academic tradition and institutional pride. Graduates wear discipline-specific gowns and hoods, honor cords for giving or academic achievement, and faculty regalia follows customary academic dress standards. The combination of navy or black gowns, colored hoods, gold tassels for doctoral students, and optional cords and stoles ensures a dignified and visually cohesive ceremony that honors academic achievement and individual distinction.