Touro University California Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

Touro University California hosts its commencement ceremonies annually for students across its schools of Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Education & Health Sciences, and Medical Health Sciences. Graduates are required to wear official Touro academic regalia, which includes a graduation gown, cap or velvet tam for doctoral students, and, where applicable, an academic hood. Only approved honor cords (for academic distinction or military service) and stoles from recognized honor societies with prior Dean approval are permitted.

The graduation gown for undergraduate and master’s students is black. Doctoral gowns feature bell sleeves trimmed with black velvet and three velvet bars on the sleeves, sometimes with velvet colors indicating the academic discipline. The graduation cap is a black mortarboard for associate, bachelor, and master’s students, while doctoral students wear a velvet tam with a long tassel.

For tassels, black is used for undergraduate and master’s graduates, while gold tassels are designated for doctoral recipients. The academic hood for master’s and doctoral graduates is lined in navy blue with a light blue chevron and gold accents, and the velvet trim reflects the field of study.

Honor cords and stoles are strictly regulated: only university-earned cords or cords for veterans are allowed, and stoles must be pre-approved by the Dean. Faculty regalia follows traditional academic dress, though specific color charts for faculty hoods or stoles are not publicly documented.

Overall, Touro University California’s commencement policies emphasize uniformity, academic integrity, and controlled recognition, ensuring that graduates’ caps, gowns, tassels, hoods, cords, and stoles adhere to traditional academic standards while celebrating scholastic achievement.