University of California San Francisco Commencement Ceremony Summary

The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) celebrates its graduates through a distinguished commencement ceremony highlighting academic excellence across its graduate programs. The ceremony, typically held at the Herbst Theatre, invites PhD and Master’s candidates to participate with their faculty and guests in a formal academic procession. Graduates are required to order their academic regalia in advance from Jostens, including the appropriate graduation gown, graduation cap, and hood. Master’s hoods are trimmed in gold, while doctoral hoods are color-coded (blue for PhD) to signify the discipline, enhancing the visual elegance of the ceremony.

Bachelor graduates wear standard mortarboard caps with tassels, complemented by the graduation gown color consistent with their degree. Master’s candidates don a mortarboard cap, gold-trimmed hood, and gown, whereas doctoral candidates are distinguished with a tam-style cap, blue doctoral hood, and tailored gown. Faculty members wear regalia reflective of their alma mater and field, emphasizing the faculty regalia color and academic tradition. Tassels are positioned on the left side until ceremonial recognition, highlighting academic achievement.

During the ceremony, graduates are ceremonially hooded by their advisers or designated faculty, signifying the completion of their program. Master’s and doctoral hooding is an essential ritual, accompanied by optional handshakes with deans and distinguished guests. This formal recognition underscores the importance of academic regalia, cap, gown, and tassels sets in representing scholarly accomplishment.

UCSF ensures inclusivity and accessibility by live-streaming the ceremony for remote audiences, while each graduate may invite a limited number of guests to witness the event. The combination of academic regalia, graduation cap, graduation gown color, tassels, honor cords, and stoles enriches the visual and ceremonial significance of the commencement, celebrating both student achievement and the university’s commitment to excellence in health sciences education.

• Bachelor: mortarboard cap, gown, tassel
• Master: mortarboard cap, gown, gold-trimmed hood
• Doctoral: tam-style cap, gown, blue doctoral hood
• Faculty: regalia representing alma mater and field
• Tassels positioned left until ceremonial recognition
• Optional handshakes with deans and distinguished guests
• Live-streamed for remote audience access

UCSF Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Graduation Accessories

• Official black gown – fits UCSF master’s and doctoral graduates
• Cap – mortarboard for master’s, velvet tam for doctoral students
• Tassel – standard black for master’s; optional gold bullion for Faculty / PhD
• Academic hood (if applicable) – gold satin lining with blue chevron and velvet trim by discipline
• Honor cord / stole – available from UCSF‑recognized student organizations
• High-quality formal fabric – looks crisp for commencement and photos
• Order or rent – UCSF‑approved regalia provider, with possible loan options for eligible students

Prepare for your UCSF commencement with this officially sanctioned regalia package: cap, gown, tassel, hood, and honors, crafted to honor your achievement in UCSF’s academic tradition.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at University of California San Francisco , 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.