The University of North Alabama (UNA) hosts a formal commencement ceremony each year, where graduates, faculty and guests gather to celebrate the completion of academic programs. The ceremony emphasises the institution’s tradition of academic dress: students wear their graduation cap, graduation gown and tassel‑sets, while faculty appear in full academic regalia. According to the graduate information guide, “For the first time, the University of North Alabama will introduce newly customised regalia for both our undergraduate and graduate students.”

For undergraduate candidates, the graduation gown is the standard academic robe and is paired with a mortarboard cap and tassel worn on the right before conferral and moved to the left after. The graduation gown colour is typically black, as with most U.S. institutions, with discipline or honour ‑ accessories (tassels, stoles) adding colour and recognition. For Latin honours at UNA the stoles are awarded by GPA: Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.9‑4.0) gold, Magna Cum Laude silver and Cum Laude white.

Graduate regalia at UNA include a gown that may differ in sleeve design, a mortarboard or tam cap, and a hood or coloured trim signifying field of study. UNA provides a detailed list of Master’s hood colours by discipline: for example, Arts & Sciences – white, Business & Technology – drab, Education & Human Sciences – light blue, Nursing – apricot (among others). Honor cords and stoles for membership in national honour societies or specific programs—such as Beta Beta Beta, Kappa Pi, Psi Chi—are also approved with designated cord colours.

Faculty regalia at UNA reflect the highest earned degree of each faculty member and the discipline in which it was earned. Gowns, hoods and caps adhere to the academic dress code, with hood linings and velvet trim specifying the conferring institution and field of study. Graduates purchasing a cap, gown and tassels set should ensure their graduation gown is correct for the degree level (Bachelor or Master), the graduation cap is included, the tassel aligns with discipline or honours designation, and any honour cords or stoles follow UNA policy. The academic regalia set completes the formal presentation for the commencement ceremony.

University of North Alabama Graduation Gown and Academic Regalia Guide

The University of North Alabama (UNA) celebrates academic achievement with formal commencement ceremonies each spring and fall. Graduates wear official academic regalia including graduation gowns, graduation caps, tassels, honor cords, and stoles that reflect their degree level and academic accomplishments. This regalia ensures a professional and unified presentation during the ceremony, while also highlighting scholarly honors and affiliations.

Commencement Regalia Overview

All UNA graduates wear traditional black graduation gowns with mortarboard caps. The graduation gown color remains consistent across degree levels to provide a cohesive ceremony aesthetic. Accessories such as honor cords, stoles, and tassels are designated by UNA to signify academic distinction, program membership, or other recognitions.

Bachelor’s Degree Regalia

• Gown: Black undergraduate gown with open sleeves.
• Cap: Mortarboard with black fabric.
• Tassel: Discipline-specific color or black for general graduates.
• Honor Cords & Stoles: Gold for academic excellence; additional university-approved colors for honors societies or programs.

Master’s Degree Regalia

• Gown: Black master gown with oblong sleeves.
• Cap: Mortarboard with tassel matching academic discipline.
• Tassel: Gold or discipline color as per field of study.
• Stoles & Honor Cords: Optional; may represent honors, society membership, or cultural achievement.

Doctoral Degree Regalia

• Gown: Doctoral gown with velvet panels and sleeve bars.
• Cap: Velvet tam with gold tassel.
• Honor Cord & Stole: Gold or designated colors for highest academic distinction.

Faculty Regalia

• Faculty wear gowns, hoods, and caps reflecting their highest earned degree.
• Hood linings show university colors; velvet trim indicates discipline (e.g., light blue for Education, orange for Engineering).

Discipline-Specific Regalia Colors

• Arts & Humanities – white
• Business – drab
• Education – light blue
• Engineering – orange
• Fine Arts – brown
• Nursing – apricot
• Science – golden yellow
• Public Health – salmon

Why Choose UNA-Approved Regalia

• Authentic academic regalia that meets official university standards.
• Complete graduation gown and cap sets for Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral students.
• Optional honor cords and stoles to showcase academic distinction and program affiliation.
• Perfect for commencement ceremonies, professional photos, and keepsakes celebrating UNA achievement.

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