The University of North Carolina at Asheville hosts formal commencement ceremonies each December and May for graduating students, where participants wear official academic regalia including the graduation cap, graduation gown and tassel set.

For undergraduate degree candidates, the standard graduation gown is black and paired with a mortarboard graduation cap. The cap and gown form the core of the academic regalia. Selected students also wear honour cords and stoles for recognition of academic distinction or membership in university organisations. The official commencement program states: “Some graduates in today’s ceremony will wear distinctive tassels, cords, and stoles for special recognition.” (UNCA Commencement Program December 2024).

Graduate and doctoral candidates follow similar academic regalia traditions: graduation gown is styled for their level (still black at UNCA unless otherwise specified), mortarboard or tam cap is included, and the tassel may reflect the field of study. Although UNCA’s published materials do not provide full discipline-specific colour charts, the policy indicates approved cords and stoles must be worn for recognition of veteran status, first-generation status, or other honours.

Faculty regalia at UNCA adhere to traditional academic dress: professors wear gowns, hoods and caps that reflect their highest earned degree and academic field, with the hood lining and velvet trim indicating their discipline. The cap, gown, and tassel set for faculty supports a cohesive ceremonial image. In summary, when ordering your cap, gown and tassels set for UNCA’s commencement, ensure your graduation gown is appropriately styled for your degree level, your graduation cap (mortarboard or tam) is included, your tassel reflects your discipline or honours status, and any honor cord or stole is institution-approved. This complete academic regalia set aligns with UNCA’s commencement traditions and ensures a polished appearance during the ceremony.

University of North Carolina at Asheville Graduation Gown and Academic Regalia Guide

The University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) celebrates its commencement ceremonies each spring and fall, marking the culmination of academic achievement for graduating students. The official academic regalia – including the graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, honor cord, and stole – symbolizes years of dedication and scholarly success. Each detail of the regalia at UNCA reflects academic tradition, integrity, and university pride.

Commencement Regalia Overview

At UNCA, graduates are required to wear official black graduation gowns accompanied by a mortarboard cap and tassel. The graduation gown color remains consistent across degree levels to maintain a unified aesthetic. Academic regalia accessories such as honor cords, stoles, and tassels are designated by the university and signify academic excellence, honors membership, or organizational affiliation.

Bachelor’s Degree Regalia

• Gown: Traditional black bachelor gown with open sleeves.
• Cap: Standard mortarboard with black fabric.
• Tassel: Black tassel worn on the right before conferral, then moved to the left.
• Honor Cords and Stoles: Gold for academic distinction; additional cords in university-approved colors for honors societies or veteran status.

Master’s Degree Regalia

• Gown: Black master gown with oblong sleeves.
• Cap: Mortarboard with appropriate tassel color for discipline.
• Tassel: Reflects the field of study—typically gold, white, or light blue.
• Stole and Cords: Optional; may represent academic excellence or cultural heritage.

Doctoral Degree Regalia

• Gown: Custom black doctoral gown with velvet panels and sleeve bars.
• Cap: Black velvet tam with a gold tassel.
• Honor Cord and Stole: Gold and blue combinations signify highest distinction and institutional honors.

Faculty and Discipline Regalia Colors

• Faculty Regalia: Varies by the field of study, with hood linings in university blue and white and velvet trim indicating discipline (e.g., light blue for Education, gold for Science, white for Arts & Humanities).
• All Other Disciplines: Business – drab; Music – pink; Fine Arts – brown; Nursing – apricot; Engineering – orange; Public Health – salmon.

Why Choose UNCA-Approved Regalia

• Authentic academic regalia meeting official university standards.
• High-quality graduation gown and cap materials ensuring comfort and elegance.
• Perfect for University of North Carolina at Asheville commencement ceremonies.
• Includes coordinated tassel, honor cord, and stole sets for all degree levels.

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