Dharma Realm Buddhist University

Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU), a private Buddhist liberal‑arts institution in Ukiah, California, holds its Graduation & Commencement ceremony annually (for example, May 24, 2025). The event is formally called “Commencement,” emphasizing that graduation marks not just an ending, but also a beginning — a message reinforced in student speeches describing the ceremony as the “commencement” of deeper practice or life.

According to the 2024–2025 DRBU Catalog, students pay a non‑refundable commencement fee. The catalog also notes a “cap and gown” cost, indicating that academic regalia (gown and mortarboard cap) is a required cost item for students. However — and importantly — there is no publicly available, detailed regalia policy in the catalog or student handbook regarding the color of graduation gowns, tassels, honor cords, or stoles.

A review of DRBU news and commencement communications shows no mention of honor cords or specific stole colors tied to academic distinction, honors societies, or programs. For example, DRBU’s 2022 graduation coverage includes student gratitude speeches but lacks any mention of colored honor regalia. Given the silence on these items in official documentation, it's likely that either DRBU does not use a formalized honor cord / stole system — or that any cords or stoles used are managed more informally or locally, not centrally by the university.

On the faculty side, DRBU also does not appear to publish a discipline‑based academic dress code in its public materials. There is no publicly shared information about faculty gown colors, velvet trim, or hood linings. Without that, it’s reasonable to assume faculty wear classic academic robes in neutral colors (e.g., black), following standard academic‑dress norms.

In summary, DRBU’s commencement tradition includes a formal cap and gown requirement, but lacks publicly documented color guidelines for tassels, honor cords, or stoles. Graduates ordering their regalia should plan for standard black gown and mortarboard cap with a neutral tassel, and confirm with the university or their program if they wish to add any honors adornments.

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