Valparaiso University Commencement & Academic Regalia Guide

The commencement ceremony at Valparaiso University is a distinguished academic event requiring graduates to don full academic regalia: a graduation gown, graduation cap (mortarboard or tam depending on degree), disciplined‑colour tassel, and approved honor cords or stoles. Candidates must order official cap, gown and tassel sets through the university‑designated vendor in advance and ensure they adhere to the dress policy. While a specific internal handbook listing each tassel colour is not publicly available, Valparaiso follows standard academic dress practice—black gowns for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, hoods for advanced degrees, and discipline‑specific colours for tassels and hood trim consistent with academic tradition. As part of the ceremony, undergraduates often wear mortarboards with tassels switched from right to left upon conferral, master’s wear oblong‑sleeved gowns with hoods, and doctoral faculty regalia feature velvet facings, distinctive hoods and metallic or field‑colour tassels. Honor cords and stoles at Valparaiso are restricted to officially recognised honour societies, departmental or cultural organisations; these adornments must be approved by the Registrar or Commencement office to maintain visual unity and academic dignity. The regalia policy emphasises that the graduation gown colour, caps, tassels and stoles all reflect institutional standards and academic heritage. Students and families purchasing their regalia should ensure that their cap and gown sets align with Valparaiso’s official guidelines and include the correct tassel, honour cord or stole colour based on their major, honours status, or cultural recognition. This ensures graduates present a unified, professional academic appearance during the ceremony and in photographs.

Valparaiso University Academic Regalia – Graduation Gown & Cap Colours

Prepare for your commencement at Valparaiso University with the officially approved academic regalia: graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cord and stole. Ensure your attire aligns with institutional guidelines and academic dress traditions.

Included in Set

• Gown + cap + tassel for Bachelor, Master or Doctoral levels.
• Honor cords & stoles available separately; colours designated by honours/department.
• Doctoral/faculty regalia available with velvet facings, hood and tam or mortarboard.

Colour & Level Guide

• Graduation gown colour: typically black for bachelor’s and master’s; doctoral gowns include enhanced styling.
• Graduation cap: black mortarboard (undergraduate/master) or velvet tam (doctoral/faculty).
• Tassel colour: discipline‑specific or metallic gold for highest degrees.
• Stoles and cords: worn only from approved organisations/honours; colours vary by program.

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