The commencement ceremony at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (UWL) is a formal academic event where graduates from associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs wear official academic regalia. The ceremony highlights the symbolic aspects of academic dress, including the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, stoles, and faculty regalia.

Bachelor’s and associate degree candidates wear maroon graduation gowns, reflecting UWL’s primary school color, along with a black mortarboard cap. Tassels start on the right side and are moved to the left upon degree conferral. Graduate-level candidates wear gowns appropriate to their level, with tassels worn on the left throughout the ceremony.

Honor cords are awarded to undergraduates meeting academic achievement thresholds: a silver cord for a cumulative resident GPA of 3.50 or higher, and a gold cord for a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Graduate students do not typically wear honor cords. Stoles may be worn to honor contributions from family, mentors, or for athletic and extracurricular recognition. These are optional and generally purchased separately.

Faculty members and doctoral graduates wear full academic regalia consistent with their highest earned degree. The velvet trim and hood colours reflect the discipline of study, while the gown style and cap type distinguish between degree levels. This ensures a visually coherent ceremony where each participant’s academic achievements are clearly represented.

In summary, UWL’s commencement attire emphasizes the distinction of academic achievements through proper graduation gown color, graduation cap and tassel placement, honor cords, and stoles. Faculty and advanced-degree holders’ regalia further enrich the visual symbolism of the ceremony. Following these guidelines ensures graduates present a professional, cohesive, and tradition-respecting appearance at the commencement ceremony.

UWL Cap & Gown Academic Regalia Set – Graduation Package for University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

Prepare for your big moment at UWL with a full academic regalia set—graduation gown, cap, tassel and options for honor cords or stoles. This set adheres to UWL’s commencement ceremony guidelines and academic dress code.

Key Features

• Maroon‑coloured gown (for bachelor’s/associate candidates) matching UWL’s brand colour palette.
• Graduation cap (mortarboard) with a tassel: right‑side start for bachelor’s/associate candidates and moved to left after degree is conferred; graduate students wear tassel on left.
• Honor cords: silver cord for GPA ≥ 3.50, gold cord for GPA ≥ 3.75 at baccalaureate/associate level. Graduate students excluded from honor cords.
• Stoles of Appreciation or athletic stoles available for purchase and worn over the gown for recognition of support or extracurricular achievement.
• Faculty and advanced degree holders wear full academic regalia with hoods and velvet trim reflecting discipline, consistent with UWL policy for ceremony dress.

Why It Matters

Choosing the correct graduation gown, graduation cap and tassel—and adding appropriate honor cords or stoles—ensures you are fully compliant with UWL’s commencement dress requirements and present your achievement with professionalism.

How to Order

Select your degree level and size, then choose any extra accessories (honor cord or stole) if eligible. Order well in advance of the commencement ceremony to allow for proper fit and shipping.

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