Harris–Stowe State University

At Harris–Stowe State University, graduating seniors must complete the official “Cap and Gown Order Form” (via vendor Jostens) by the deadline to receive their academic regalia. Regalia items (cap, gown, stole, tassel) are issued via the university Bookstore once eligibility is confirmed.

Graduates receive a standard academic gown, mortarboard cap, and tassel — along with a stole. The “signet” on the cap/tassel/stole reflects the year of degree conferral (e.g. “2023,” “2024”).

HSSU recognizes academic honors via honor cords. Eligible Latin‑honors graduates receive cords in discipline based on cumulative on‑campus GPA:

• Cum Laude (CGPA 3.25–3.49): Powder‑blue honor cord
• Magna Cum Laude (CGPA 3.50–3.74): Gold honor cord
• Summa Cum Laude (CGPA 3.75 or above): Red honor cord

Other honor‑society or program‑specific stoles/cords (e.g. from societies such as Alpha Chi, Kappa organizations, departmental societies) are handled by the respective sponsors; eligible students may acquire and wear them per sponsor instructions.

Dress code for the ceremony is formal: jeans, boots, tennis shoes, purses are prohibited. Graduates are instructed to wear dark shoes; men are to wear a light-colored shirt and tie; gowns should be dry‑cleaned or ironed before use.

Graduation rehearsal is mandatory. Regalia pickup happens prior to Commencement; cap, gown, stole, and tassel are issued only to graduates — they keep the items after the ceremony.

There is no publicly available “discipline‑based color chart” for tassels or stoles — the color differentiators are used only for Latin honors (powder blue, gold, red cords) and honor‑society or sponsorship stoles/cords.

In short: HSSU’s commencement regalia system combines a standard cap‑and‑gown set (gown, cap, stole, tassel) for all graduates; plus honor cords for Latin honors; plus optional society‑based stoles/cords as applicable. Regalia is processed via Jostens and issued through the university Bookstore — ensuring consistency and formal academic regalia for commencement.

HSSU Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown, Stole, Tassel & Honor Cords

Official commencement attire for Harris–Stowe State University graduates — includes cap, gown, stole, tassel (with year signet), and honor cords for qualifying graduates.

• Academic Gown: Standard formal robe provided to all graduates cleared for commencement — part of the required academic regalia set.
• Mortarboard Cap & Tassel with Year Signet: Cap included; tassel features a signet indicating graduation year (e.g. “2024”).
• Institutional Stole: Included with gown and cap — part of the regalia package issued by HSSU.
• Honor Cords for Latin Honors:
  • Cum Laude — Powder‑Blue cord
  • Magna Cum Laude — Gold cord
  • Summa Cum Laude — Red cord
  Awarded to students meeting GPA and residency criteria.
• Optional Honor‑Society or Organizational Stoles/Cords: Recognized campus honor‑society members or organization affiliates may wear additional cords/stoles as permitted by their sponsors.

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