University of Connecticut Commencement & Academic Regalia

The University of Connecticut (UConn) celebrates its graduates in formal commencement ceremonies marked by academic pageantry and tradition. Ceremonies typically feature processions of students and faculty in full academic dress, emphasizing scholarly achievement and institutional pride.

Graduating students purchase their graduation gown and cap (or tam) through the UConn Bookstore or its regalia vendor. A notable shift took place a few years ago when UConn replaced the traditional black robe with a **navy blue gown**, reflecting school colors and sustainability: the new gowns are made from recycled materials and visually align with UConn’s brand.

Per UConn’s faculty preparation guidelines, tassels are worn **to the left**, and graduates typically use a mortarboard or tam depending on their degree. UConn’s “Hood and Tassel Colors” chart shows college‑specific tassel colors: for example, **Orange** for Engineering, **Light Blue** for Education, **Drab** for Business, **Citron** for Social Work, **Apricot** for Nursing, **Brown** for Fine Arts, and **Maize** for Agriculture. Master’s and doctoral hoods are lined with UConn’s colors and edged in velvet that reflects the discipline.

UConn also recognizes **first‑generation graduates** with a distinctive **green honor cord**, symbolizing the achievements and perseverance of students whose parents did not attend college. For general honors, students may wear cords or stoles awarded by registered student organizations or academic societies, according to the UConn Engineering commencement policy.

Faculty participating in commencement wear traditional **academic regalia**: black or navy academic gowns (depending on program), hoods with velvet trim denoting discipline, and caps. Whether rented or purchased, the regalia must reflect the degree and institution of the wearer.

In summary, UConn’s commencement is a dignified academic celebration: students wear navy (or black, where required) graduation gowns and degree-appropriate caps, discipline‑coded tassels, and colored hoods, while first‑generation graduates don symbolic green cords. This regalia tradition aligns with UConn’s identity and honors both academic achievement and personal heritage.

UConn Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Graduation Accessories

• Official navy (or black) graduation gown – University of Connecticut style
• Square mortarboard cap or velvet tam – based on your degree level
• Color-coded tassel – discipline-specific (Engineering orange, Education light blue, Business drab, etc.)
• Academic hood (if required) – velvet trim by field and lined in UConn colors
• Green honor cord – recognized for first-generation graduates at UConn
• Eco-conscious fabric – sustainable and comfortable for ceremony wear
• Regalia order via UConn Bookstore – suits UConn’s official academic dress guidelines

Head into your UConn commencement with a full, approved academic regalia set: gown, cap/tam, tassel, hood, and honors cord — all aligned with the University of Connecticut’s official regalia tradition.

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