Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College holds formal commencement ceremonies to celebrate graduates. The Fall 2025 commencement for SWTC is scheduled for Friday, December 12, with ceremonies at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

SWTC provides graduation regalia for participating graduates: cap, gown, and tassel are available from Student Services beginning the Monday before commencement.

For graduates earning associate degrees with distinction, SWTC awards “high honor” status to those with a program GPA of 3.5 or above. These students receive gold honor cords to wear during the commencement program.

In addition to cords, SWTC issues associate‑degree hoods (for eligible graduates) for the ceremony. The hoods — along with any honor or veteran cords — are distributed the day of commencement. Hoods are for use during graduation only and must be returned afterwards; cords are retained by the student.

SWTC’s commencement policy clearly prohibits decorating the graduation cap or gown.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) offers a structured academic regalia program for all graduates participating in commencement ceremonies. Graduates are required to wear institution-approved academic regalia, which includes the graduation gown, graduation cap, and tassel. These items maintain a uniform and formal appearance throughout the ceremony, honoring the achievements of each student.

For bachelor-level graduates, SWTC provides a standard cap and gown set along with a tassel. High-achieving graduates may also receive gold honor cords to denote distinction. Similarly, master’s and doctoral graduates are issued regalia that includes the academic gown, mortarboard or tam cap, tassel, and optional stoles or cords reflecting honors or departmental recognition. Faculty members and academic staff wear specialized regalia to signify their academic discipline and degree, ensuring ceremonial distinction.

Stoles and honor cords are color-coded according to SWTC policies, typically reflecting honors, graduation status, or faculty discipline. The official colors and regalia distribution are managed by Student Services, ensuring compliance with the college’s academic traditions. Graduates are expected to follow all guidelines, including the proper positioning of tassels, stoles, and cords, to maintain uniformity during commencement.

SWTC emphasizes that all graduates must wear official regalia without unauthorized decorations. This preserves the dignity of the ceremony and highlights the significance of academic achievement across all programs and disciplines.

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