University of Central Oklahoma Commencement & Academic Regalia

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) conducts its graduation ceremonies with a strong emphasis on tradition, scholarship, and visual unity. UCO celebrates more than 1,400 graduates each spring in its Hamilton Field House, following a formal procession and commencement program. Students must purchase or rent their graduation gown, cap, and tassel through UCO’s approved vendors, including the UCO Barnes & Noble Bookstore or Herff Jones.

UCO’s academic dress policy is well-defined in its commencement programs and catalogs. The bachelor’s gown is the traditional long black robe with pleats, while the master’s gown has distinctive oblong sleeves. For doctoral graduates, UCO uses a doctoral-style gown with velvet paneling and three velvet bars on the sleeves. The associate’s gown is styled similarly to the bachelor’s but is a dark gray color.

Tassel colors at UCO are determined by college or field of study, following academic tradition. For example, the colored tassels per college are listed in UCO’s commencement program: Drab for Business, Light Blue for Education & Professional Studies, Chocolate Brown for Fine Arts & Design, Kelly Green for Liberal Arts, Golden Yellow for Math & Science, and others. The hood lining for master’s and doctoral graduates displays UCO’s institutional colors (Bronze and Blue), and the velvet trim on the hood corresponds to the graduate’s discipline (e.g., light blue for Education, golden yellow for Science).

UCO also maintains traditions around honor cords and stoles. The five Class Marshals (highest academic achievers in each college) wear a special bronze-colored “Class Marshal” gown and a distinctive stole during commencement. Honor cords for Cum Laude or other honors are documented in UCO commencement materials: for example, white cords are used for certain honors, while gray cords are reserved for perfect 4.0 graduates. Faculty participating in ceremonies wear standard academic regalia according to their highest earned degree, including black robes, hoods with velvet trim, and caps or tams rented via the UCO Bookstore.

In summary, UCO’s commencement experience combines scholarly tradition and institutional identity. Graduates wear black (or gray) gowns, discipline-specific tassels, and hoods that showcase UCO’s bronze and blue colors. Stoles and cords mark special honor distinctions, while faculty regalia reflects terminal degrees. The overall regalia policy ensures a dignified, meaningful ceremony that highlights academic achievement and community heritage.

UCO Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Graduation Accessories

• Official gown – black for bachelor/master/doctoral, dark gray for associate degrees
• Mortarboard cap – traditional square cap for all degree levels
• Discipline-specific tassel – tied to your college (e.g., Kelly Green for Liberal Arts, Chocolate Brown for Fine Arts)
• Academic hood (if applicable) – lined with UCO Bronze & Blue and trimmed by field
• Honor cord or stole – bronze marshal stole for Class Marshals, white/gray cords for honors
• Graduation-grade fabric – elegant, lightweight, and sturdy
• Order via UCO’s Graduation Central or Herff Jones – approved and official accessory option

Get ready for your UCO commencement with this officially approved academic regalia set — includes cap, gown, tassel, hood (if needed), and honor accessories designed to reflect UCO’s rich 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 Central Oklahoma , 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.