Vanguard University Commencement & Academic Regalia Guide

The Vanguard University Commencement Ceremony takes place at the approved venue, and participation requires official VU academic regalia: a graduation gown, graduation cap (mortarboard), gown, and tassel. All graduates must register in advance, adhere to check-in procedures and wear VU-approved regalia.

For bachelor’s degree candidates, the graduation gown is the standard black, the graduation cap should be worn flat and level on the head, with the right-front side holding a navy tassel before the conferral, which is then moved to the left. Honor cords (for example for Summa Cum Laude) are provided on-site at check-in, while approved cultural or departmental stoles are limited to those sanctioned by Vanguard (e.g., gold base stoles with cultural colour stripes) — stacking of multiple stoles is prohibited.

For master’s degree candidates, the gown conforms to the graduate standard, the tassel colour is determined by academic program colour (rather than simply navy), and a hood is worn—traditionally carried over the right arm and then placed by faculty during hooding on stage.Stoles and cords follow the same approved structure: only recognised departmental or cultural stoles and cords, no non-approved adornments.

Faculty and doctoral-level regalia consist of robes with velvet panels, distinctive hoods, and tassels often in the institution’s colour or metallic gold for the doctoral level. While Vanguard’s published guide focuses primarily on student regalia, the same rules apply: the cap, gown and hood reflect highest earned degree, field colour, and institutional traditions. The ceremony underscores respect for academic tradition and visually unified regalia sets — graduation cap, gown, tassel, honour cord and stole all contribute to a dignified commencement stage.

Vanguard University Academic Regalia Guide – Graduation Gown & Cap Colours

At Vanguard University’s Campus of Applied Sciences & Technology, the commencement ceremony honours academic achievement and tradition. Approved academic regalia—including the graduation gown, graduation cap, tassel, honor cords, stoles and faculty robes—must conform to clear guidelines.

Bachelor Level Regalia

• Gown: black bachelor’s gown with pointed sleeves.
• Cap: black mortarboard worn flat on head.
• Tassel: navy for bachelor candidates, worn on the right before conferral and then moved to the left.
• Honor cords: awarded at check-in for academic honours.
• Stoles: only approved Vanguard cultural/stole designs permitted.

Master Level Regalia

• Gown: black master’s gown with oblong sleeves.
• Tassel: colour tied to academic program or discipline.
• Hood: master’s graduates hold the hood over their right arm and are hooded during the ceremony.
• Honor cords & stoles: reflect departmental and honour society recognition.

Doctoral Level & Faculty Regalia

• Doctoral gown: black robe with velvet panels and sleeve bars; tassel often metallic gold or discipline-colour.
• Faculty regalia: highest degree gown, hood lined in Vanguard colours, tam or mortarboard cap.

Cap & Gown Tassel Sets (All Levels)

• Set includes cap, gown and tassel—available in bachelor, master and doctoral versions.
• Honor cords and stoles available separately in approved colours.
• Designed to meet Vanguard University’s approved commencement attire criteria.

Discipline & Regalia Colour Details

• Tassel and hood trim colours correspond to academic fields (e.g., arts, science, business, education) following standard academic dress practices.
• Students should confirm their discipline’s approved colour with Vanguard University’s commencement office or program director.

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