University of Denver Commencement & Academic Regalia

The University of Denver (DU) holds formal commencement ceremonies on campus — undergraduate and graduate processions occur in Magness Arena as part of a rich academic tradition. During the ceremony, graduates wear traditional academic dress, highlighting academic achievement, institutional pride, and scholarly heritage.

Graduates don a classic black graduation gown. According to DU’s doctoral hooding policies, the bachelor’s and master’s gowns use standard black robes, while the doctoral gown features more elaborate velvet trim and three velvet bars on the bell-shaped sleeves. Master’s and doctoral students are hooded: their academic hoods are made with a velvet trim reflecting their discipline and a lining that represents DU’s college colors.

The graduation cap differs by degree: bachelor’s and master’s students wear a mortarboard with a tassel starting on the right side, moved to the left when the degree is conferred. Doctoral graduates wear a velvet “tam” instead of a mortarboard.

DU’s tassel and hood trim colors follow traditional academic discipline colors: for example, **light blue** for Education, **citron (yellow)** for Social Work, **dark blue** for Ph.D., **purple** for Law, **white** for History and Sociology, **gold** for Psychology, and **crimson** for Communication. Additional academic regalia accessories—such as honor cords, stoles, and medallions—may be worn by graduates to represent honors, societies, or affiliations. DU specifically notes that students may wear cords or stoles (e.g., academic honors, student organizations) as part of their regalia.

Faculty regalia aligns with the same tradition: faculty wear black academic robes adorned with velvet trim matching their academic discipline, and their hoods indicate the institution that awarded their terminal degree.

In summary, the University of Denver commencement is steeped in academic tradition, symbolism, and respect. Graduates wear black gowns and mortarboards or tams, paired with discipline‑specific tassels and velvet-trimmed hoods. Honor cords and stoles further recognize distinguished achievement and affiliations. This academic regalia system ensures a dignified, meaningful, and visually coherent graduation experience at DU.

DU Academic Regalia – Graduation Gown, Cap & Accessories

• Traditional black graduation gown – suitable for DU bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates
• Mortarboard cap or velvet tam – based on degree level and DU tradition
• Field‑color tassels – discipline‑specific (light blue, citron, dark blue, purple, white, gold, crimson, etc.)
• Academic hood – for master’s and doctoral candidates; velvet trim and lining represent your discipline and DU colors
• Honor cords & stoles – to represent academic honors, societies, or affiliations
• High-quality, lightweight fabric – comfortable and dignified for graduation day
• Complies with University of Denver’s approved regalia guidelines

Gear up for your DU commencement with this compliant academic regalia set. Everything you need — gown, cap/tam, tassel, hood, and honor accessories — is included in a style consistent with University of Denver’s commencement traditions.

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