University of Central Arkansas Commencement Ceremony & Academic Regalia

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) holds formal commencement ceremonies at the Farris Center, celebrating graduates with a tradition of academic regalia that includes graduation gowns, caps, tassels, and optional honor cords or stoles. All undergraduate and graduate students wear black academic gowns that reflect their degree level. Bachelor’s gowns feature pointed sleeves, master’s gowns have oblong sleeves, and doctoral gowns include bell-shaped sleeves and velvet panels.

Graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a tassel corresponding to their degree: undergraduate students place the tassel on the right side before the degree is conferred, while master’s and doctoral candidates wear theirs on the left side during the ceremony. Tassels are college-specific and must follow UCA’s official regulations; souvenir tassels are not permitted.

Graduate students also wear a hood ordered through the UCA Bookstore. The hood features a black and colored lining, while velvet trim reflects the student’s field of study. Although UCA does not publicly release a detailed velvet color chart, common academic disciplines are represented with standard colors recognized in U.S. higher education.

UCA allows students to wear honor cords, stoles, or medallions from recognized honor societies or approved student organizations, emphasizing academic achievement and distinction. Caps may be decorated respectfully to reflect personal accomplishment, while faculty participating in the ceremony wear traditional academic regalia appropriate to their highest degree, including robes, hoods, and caps or tams.

Regalia is picked up at the UCA Bookstore during graduation week, and rented gowns or hoods must be returned after the ceremony. Graduates may retain their caps and tassels as keepsakes. Overall, UCA’s commencement tradition highlights scholarly achievement, academic identity, and ceremonial formality, ensuring a dignified and memorable graduation experience.

UCA Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Graduation Accessories

• Black ceremonial gown – standard UCA academic robe for all degree levels
• Squared mortarboard cap – included for every graduate
• Tassel – right side for undergraduates, left side for master’s and doctoral students
• Academic hood (graduate) – lined and trimmed in discipline‑specific velvet via UCA Bookstore
• Honor cord / stole / medallion – authorized for recognized societies or student groups
• High-quality fabric – built for formal ceremony and long-lasting wear
• Purchase through UCA Bookstore – ensures proper size and regalia compliance

Get ready for UCA commencement with this officially approved cap, gown, tassel, hood, and honors set — all aligned with the traditions of the University of Central Arkansas.

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