University of Mary Washington

The University of Mary Washington hosts a vibrant commencement ceremony each spring to honour graduates of bachelor’s and master’s programs. Graduates participate in a formal academic procession and are required to wear full academic regalia, including the graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel and—when applicable—hoods, honor cords or stoles, ensuring a coordinated cap, gown and tassels set at the pivotal milestone.

Undergraduate graduates at UMW wear the standard black graduation gown and mortarboard-style graduation cap. Tassel colours may vary in accordance with the student’s discipline, and the university identifies hood colours for different degree types—for example, Bachelor of Arts is white, Bachelor of Science is gold, Bachelor of Nursing is apricot. Honor cords are offered for various affiliations: student‑athlete cords are silver, and stoles for eligible student‑athletes are white. Stoles are also presented to graduates in the University Honors Program (blue stole).

For the master’s level, academic regalia at UMW includes the black graduation gown, mortarboard or approved cap, and a hood indicating the specific discipline or college. The university notes “regalia may be purchased” and includes hood colour distinctions based on area of study—such as light blue for education, gold for sciences, drab for business. Honor cords and stoles follow the same eligibility rules as undergraduates, issued by student organisations and departments.

Faculty and other officials wear traditional academic regalia: gowns of advanced style, hoods lined in the university’s colours, and velvet or trim indicating discipline. This ensures a cohesive and dignified appearance for all participants, from student graduates to faculty marshals. Graduates purchasing or renting cap, gown and tassels sets are encouraged to coordinate details and verify cord or stole eligibility with the bookstore or Student Activities & Engagement office.

By adhering to these guidelines for the graduation cap, gown and tassels set—including proper gown colour, appropriate cap style and discipline‑specific hood or stole items—UMW ensures that its commencement ceremony conveys academic tradition, honours student achievement and maintains a unified visual standard across all graduates, faculty and attendees.

University of Mary Washington Graduation Regalia Set – Cap, Gown & Tassels

Mark your milestone with the official UMW academic regalia set—designed for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates. Includes a high‑quality graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, and optional honor cords or stoles to complete your cap, gown and tassels sets.

Key Features

• Graduation gown in classic black, available in styles for bachelor, master and doctoral levels—each matching your academic level and UMW’s academic regalia standards.
• Graduation cap: mortarboard for bachelor and master; doctoral candidates may wear a tam or specialty cap with tassel in gold or discipline‑specific colour. Tassel and hood/trim colours follow UMW’s published hood‑colour chart (e.g., Bachelor of Science gold; Bachelor of Nursing apricot).
• Tassel, hood or stole colours reflect your field of study and institution identity—forming your full cap, gown and tassels sets tradition at UMW.
• Honor cords & stoles: UMW recognises honours with a blue Honors Program stole, first‑generation stoles, and allows up to two stoles representing service or leadership. Additional cords/stoles may come from recognized student organisations or honour societies.
• Faculty and “all other discipline” regalia colours: gown base remains black; hood lining shows UMW institutional colours; velvet/trim colour indicates discipline per academic dress convention.

Everything you need to look sharp on your commencement day — the graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, and optional honor cords or stoles — all designed to align with UMW’s academic regalia requirements. Be sure to verify if your major or student organization mandates a specific stole or cord colour before placing your order.

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