University of California Davis

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) commencement ceremony is steeped in tradition, with students and faculty required to wear formal academic regalia. Graduates must don a graduation gown, mortarboard cap, tassel, and—if applicable—a hood, in accordance with the university’s regalia policy.

At UC Davis, all graduates wear a blue gown with gold piping, not the typical black. The bachelor’s gown features pointed sleeves, while master’s candidates wear a gown with oblong sleeves. Doctoral gowns are more elaborate with bell-shaped sleeves and velvet chevrons or bars.

The graduation cap for most students is the standard mortarboard, worn with its shell point to the back. For undergraduates, the tassel begins on the right and shifts to the left once the degree is conferred; for master’s and doctoral graduates, the tassel rests to the left, though during stage crossings some may momentarily wear it to the right for photos. Doctoral recipients have the option of a velvet tam and a **gold tassel**.

Graduate (master’s and doctoral) students also wear a **hood**: the hood is lined in UC Davis' official colors (blue and gold) and trimmed in velvet that reflects their academic discipline (e.g., dark blue for PhD, light blue for Education, orange for Engineering, white for Arts & Humanities, and more).

Regarding honor cords and stoles, UC Davis offers cords in specific colors based on academic distinction: - Cum Laude (honors): **Blue & Gold** cord- Magna Cum Laude (high honors): **Silver / Silver** cord - Summa Cum Laude (highest honors): **Gold / Gold** cord Stoles (sashes) are optional keepsakes: they’re not required, but many graduates purchase gold stoles or other designs from UC Davis Stores.

Faculty participating in the ceremony wear full academic robes and hoods: their hoods feature velvet trim that denotes their discipline, and the hood lining typically displays UC Davis’ blue and gold color scheme.

Graduating students must rent or purchase their regalia via UC Davis Stores before the online order deadline. Regalia includes cap, gown, tassel, and, for advanced degrees, a hood. In the spirit of sustainability, UC Davis uses gowns made from Earth‑Grad fabric, produced from 100% recycled materials. This comprehensive regalia system ensures a dignified, unified, and visually rich graduation experience.

UC Davis Graduation Regalia – Official Cap, Gown & Tassel

Celebrate your UC Davis achievement with the official academic regalia: blue gown, cap or tam, tassel, hood, and honor accessories.

Bachelor’s Package: Blue graduation gown with gold piping + mortarboard cap + standard tassel.
Master’s Package: Elegant gown + hood with discipline‑specific velvet + lining in UC blue & gold + tassel.
Doctoral Package: Bell-sleeve gown with blue velvet chevrons + tam + hood + gold bullion tassel.
Honor Cords: Blue & gold for Cum Laude; Silver/Silver for Magna; Gold/Gold for Summa honors.
Sashes & Stoles: Optional gold stoles available to purchase; keepsake design, not required.
Faculty Regalia: Professors wear academic robes + hood with velvet trim by discipline + blue/gold lining.
How to Order: Rent or buy via UC Davis Stores by the published deadline. Gowns made from sustainable (recycled) fabric; returns required post‑ceremony.

This regalia set aligns tradition, campus identity, and sustainability—so you can walk the stage with pride and unity.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at University of California Davis , you can reach out directly to the college's administration or the office responsible for commencement and student services. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic regalia.