The commencement ceremony at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) follows a formal academic process where graduating students wear traditional academic regalia including the graduation gown, graduation cap (mortarboard) with tassel, and approved honor cords or stoles. According to USM’s “Pre‑Graduation To‑Do List”, all students wishing to participate must wear “traditional black regalia” for undergraduates and master’s candidates, with doctoral candidates permitted a custom gold gown.
The graduation gown for bachelor’s and master’s students is the standard black cap‑and‑gown style, while doctoral regalia at USM are uniquely styled: the gown is antique gold with black/white accents, and the cap is a six‑corner black velvet tam with gold tassel. The graduation cap for bachelor and master candidates remains a square mortarboard, with the tassel worn on the right side until the degree is officially conferred. The master’s tassel “reflects the general degree area of study” and the bachelor’s/doctoral tassel is gold, in line with the institution’s official colours (black & gold).
Honor cords and stoles at USM mark academic honours and membership in organisations. For example, undergraduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher may purchase the black & gold honor cord. Commencement stoles requested by student organisations must be approved and follow the guidelines of the Academic Regalia Subcommittee. The academic regalia ensemble—graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel sets, cords and stoles—combine to reflect both individual achievement and the collective academic tradition embodied by the faculty regalia and graduation procession. Faculty participants wear their own regalia appropriate to rank and discipline, emphasising the ceremony’s formal tradition.
In summary, USM’s commencement underscores the symbolic transition of graduates into alumni through the visual and ceremonial elements of the academic dress code: black (or gold for doctoral) gowns, graduation caps with tassels (gold or discipline‑reflective), honour cords in institution colours, stoles approved by the university, and the faculty procession in full academic regalia. Together, these elements create a cohesive, dignified stage for celebrating academic achievement.
Get ready for your milestone moment at USM with a complete academic regalia bundle crafted for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral graduates. This set encompasses your graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, and complements honor cords and stoles in line with USM tradition.
✔ Complies with USM’s official commencement dress code and regalia tradition.
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✔ Harmonises your academic ensemble — gown, cap, tassel, honor cords and stoles — for a professional stage look.
✔ Ideal for unforgettable graduation photos and ceremony presence.
Wear your academic regalia with pride. Walk across the stage, move your tassel at the right moment, and mark your achievement at USM in full regalia fashion.
Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at University of Southern Mississippi , 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.