South Seattle College

South Seattle College Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

South Seattle College holds a joint commencement ceremony (with sister colleges in the Seattle Colleges district) each June, celebrating graduates who have applied for graduation and are cleared to walk. Participation requires registration and ordering or borrowing regalia by the published deadlines.

For commencement, SSC requires all graduates to wear academic regalia — a cap (mortarboard), a gown, and a tassel. Graduates may either purchase new regalia or participate in the college’s Cap & Gown Loan Program, helping reduce financial barriers.

Regalia color depends on degree type: according to the Seattle Colleges regalia guidelines, associate degree, certificate, or similar credential graduates wear a **royal blue cap and gown**, while bachelor’s degree (BAS or similar) graduates wear a **black cap and gown**. Tassels must match the regalia set.

Stoles, cords, and other adornments such as honor cords or special tassels are optional and permitted — typically to signify membership in student organizations, honor societies, veteran status, support‑program affiliation, or special recognition. These additional items are not part of the standard loan/purchase package and must comply with ceremony guidelines.

There is no publicly available, institution‑wide color‑coded chart linking gown, hood, tassel, stole or cord colors to academic disciplines, major fields, or faculty regalia at SSC. Public documentation only differentiates gown and cap colors by credential type (associate/certificate vs bachelor). There is no mention of master’s or doctoral regalia, suggesting SSC does not routinely award graduate‑level degrees requiring distinct academic dress.

In sum: SSC commencement attire for most students is a standard cap and gown set (royal blue for certificates/associate, black for bachelor’s) and a matching tassel, with optional stoles or cords for recognized affiliations or achievements. Any additional or special‑color regalia should be treated as optional and individually acquired, not part of a formal, school‑wide, discipline‑based regalia system.

South Seattle College Commencement & Academic Regalia Summary

• Cap & gown required for graduation – Graduates must obtain an official cap, gown and tassel to participate in commencement ceremonies.
• Credential‑based gown colors – Royal blue cap and gown for certificates, GEDs, and associate degrees; black cap and gown for bachelor’s degree graduates.
• Standard cap, gown & tassel set available for purchase or loan – Students may order through the official vendor or participate in the free gown-loan program to ensure access.
• Optional stoles, cords & tassels for honors or affiliation – Additional regalia items may signify membership in honor societies, support programs, veteran status, or student organizations.
• No public discipline‑ or degree‑based color chart – There is no published guideline assigning specific hood, stole or tassel colors by major, field, or degree beyond the basic credential‑based gown color rule.
• Clear listing guidance – Describe products as “standard cap and gown set with optional stoles/cords” and avoid unverified claims of custom or discipline‑specific colors or hoods.

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