Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

At Sonoma State University, all graduates participating in commencement must wear the academic regalia associated with the degree to be conferred. For bachelor’s degree candidates this means the traditional black graduation gown and mortarboard cap. For master’s degree recipients a cap and gown are required along with the academic hood appropriate for their discipline.

Graduates order their regalia online (via the licensing vendor) with availability through the University Store — giving adequate lead time ensures the correct size gown and proper regalia for the ceremony.

For undergraduates the gown is the standard black gown; hoods are not used for bachelor’s degrees. For graduate‑level degrees, the hood accompanies the gown to signify the advanced credential. The official 2024 SSU Commencement Program describes three different gown styles: bachelor’s gown (closed-front with long pointed sleeves), master’s (with oblong sleeves), and doctoral gowns with distinctive bell sleeves, velvet facings and sleeve bars.

The mortarboard cap is black; tassel and hood/robe trim follow academic‑regalia tradition. The hood and gown design reflect both degree level and field of study — hood colors correspond to academic disciplines, and faculty regalia typically reflect the highest earned degree, often a doctorate.

SSU allows cap decoration — graduates may decorate mortarboards tastefully and respectfully, but decorations that violate policy (e.g. glitter) are prohibited inside the ceremony hall.

Importantly, participation in commencement (wearing regalia) does not equate to official degree conferral: final graduation only occurs after completion of all academic requirements and official posting of grades.

Sonoma State University Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

• Cap, gown & tassel mandatory for graduates – All participating tuition‑earning graduates must wear official SSU academic regalia for the commencement ceremony.
• Undergraduate attire: black gown + mortarboard cap – Bachelor’s candidates wear the traditional black graduation gown and mortarboard cap; no hood is required.
• Graduate attire: hooded gown with discipline‑color hood – Master’s and doctoral students wear gowns with hoods and academic‑dress trim; doctoral gowns have bell sleeves and velvet facings per tradition.
• Hood trim and colors reflect the discipline – The hood and regalia styling correspond to the graduate’s field of study; faculty regalia reflects their highest earned degree.
• Cap decorating policy exists – Graduates may decorate their mortarboard cap as long as decorations remain tasteful and comply with venue restrictions (e.g. no glitter).
• Suggested listing language – “Official Sonoma State University graduation cap & gown set: black for bachelor’s graduates; hooded gown with field‑specific hood for graduate degrees — includes cap, gown and tassel; compliant with university commencement regulations.”

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