University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) hosts annual spring commencement ceremonies in Fairbanks, celebrating undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral graduates. All degree candidates are required to wear academic regalia, including a black graduation gown, mortarboard graduation cap, and tassel. Master’s and doctoral students also wear hoods with linings in UAF’s official colors, blue and gold, and velvet trim representing their academic discipline.

UAF provides three gown styles: associate and bachelor’s gowns with long pointed sleeves, master’s gowns with oblong sleeves, and doctoral gowns with bell-shaped sleeves and three velvet bars. Tassels for certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s graduates are blue and gold, while doctoral tassels are gold.

UAF also supports a variety of honor cords and stoles representing academic achievement, identity, and affiliation. Examples include red sashes for Alaska Native graduates, veteran cords in red, white, and blue, teal cords for first-generation graduates, and rainbow cords for LGBTQ+ graduates.

Faculty regalia at UAF follows traditional academic dress, with gowns and hoods reflecting the faculty member’s terminal degree and institution. Velvet trim and hood lining indicate discipline, though specific details vary by faculty department.

In summary, UAF’s commencement ceremonies emphasize formal academic tradition through graduation gowns, caps, tassels, hoods, honor cords, and stoles. Graduates are strongly encouraged to consult the UAF Registrar or Bookstore to confirm proper regalia selection and honor cord or stole colors prior to ordering, ensuring compliance with all commencement requirements.