United States Military Academy (West Point) Commencement & Academic Regalia

The United States Military Academy (USMA / West Point) in New York holds a highly formal and ceremonial commencement, often called Commissioning Week, celebrating cadets as they graduate and receive their officer commissions. Key events include cadet reviews, award ceremonies, and the main Commencement at Michie Stadium.

Unlike traditional colleges, West Point cadets typically wear their military uniforms (Dress Gray or other formal uniforms) instead of academic graduation gowns and caps. There is no publicly documented standard for graduation gown color, tassel color, honor cords, or stoles in USMA handbooks or on their website. Any optional academic regalia is subject to approval by the Registrar or event coordinator.

Faculty regalia at West Point follows military or institution-specific dress regulations rather than conventional academic regalia. There is no publicly available guidance on hoods, velvet trim, or color coding by academic discipline.

In summary, West Point graduation ceremonies emphasize military uniform over traditional cap-and-gown academic dress. Because USMA does not provide public guidance on tassels, cords, stoles, or gown colors, graduates and faculty must verify regalia requirements directly with the Registrar or graduation office to ensure compliance with Academy standards. Adhering to these protocols maintains the dignity, tradition, and discipline of West Point’s formal ceremonies.