South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

South Dakota State University holds formal commencement ceremonies for graduates at the end of each term. Participants must order their academic regalia — cap, gown, and tassel (plus hood if appropriate) — via the university bookstore or approved vendor to ensure uniform apparel.

For bachelor’s candidates, the regalia consists of a black gown and mortarboard cap with tassel; bachelor’s candidates do not receive hoods.

Graduate‑level candidates (master’s and doctoral) wear full academic regalia including hoods: master’s and doctoral hoods are lined in the university’s colors and edged with velvet stripes that designate academic discipline. The hood distinguishes advanced degrees among faculty and graduates.

Tassel color varies by degree level: master’s candidates wear black tassels, while doctoral candidates wear gold tassels at commencement.

In addition, SDSU uses discipline‑based academic colors for hood velvet trim (and tassels where applicable) to indicate the field of study. For example: Agriculture and Biological Sciences uses maize, Engineering uses orange, Education & Human Sciences uses light blue, Nursing uses apricot, and other disciplines follow standard academic‑color conventions linked to major.

Normally only approved honors‑society cords and regalia adornments are allowed. SDSU’s policy states that cords or stoles may only be worn if issued by recognized departments or colleges — personal or unofficial cords are not permitted.

Faculty regalia generally reflects highest earned degree: faculty wear the gown and hood corresponding to the institution where they earned their terminal degree, rather than SDSU‑specific regalia.

In summary: SDSU’s commencement attire is a well‑defined academic‑regalia system. Bachelor’s graduates wear standard black cap, gown, and tassel; master’s and doctoral graduates wear robes with discipline‑color velvet hoods; tassel color distinguishes degree level (black for master’s, gold for doctorate); and academic‑field colors identify major via hood trim. Approved honor cords/stoles may be worn when issued by the university.

South Dakota State University Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

• Cap, gown & tassel required for all graduates – All participating SDSU graduates must wear university‑approved academic regalia for the commencement ceremony.
• Undergraduate regalia: black gown with red/black tassel – Bachelor’s degree candidates wear a classic black gown and mortarboard cap with red and black tassel in university colors.
• Graduate regalia: hoods + tassels & velvet trim – Master’s candidates wear black tassels and a red/black hood; doctoral candidates wear a tam with gold tassel and hood with velvet edging corresponding to their academic discipline.
• Honor cords/stoles permitted if officially awarded – Only those cords issued by SDSU departments or recognized organizations are allowed; personal or unofficial cords are prohibited.
• Suggested product‑listing language – “Official SDSU graduation cap & gown set — includes mortarboard and tassel for undergraduates, or hooded gown and tassel/velvet trim for graduate degrees; honored cords/stoles available for eligible students.”

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