SUNY College of Optometry Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

SUNY College of Optometry holds formal commencement ceremonies celebrating graduates of the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program. Graduates wear official academic regalia including a black doctoral gown, a hood, and a tam cap with tassel. The hood features seafoam green velvet trim representing the optometry discipline and satin lining in blue and gold, reflecting SUNY institutional colors. This attire ensures a distinguished and professional appearance during the ceremony.

Graduates are ceremonially hooded on stage by faculty or qualified professionals, marking the transition from student to practicing optometrist. Honor cords or stoles are generally not included, focusing the ceremony on the official gown, hood, cap, and tassel. The consistent use of this regalia across all graduates emphasizes academic achievement and institutional pride.

Faculty and academic staff wear robes and hoods corresponding to their highest earned degrees. Velvet trim on faculty hoods represents their discipline, and gown styles distinguish faculty from graduates. This coordinated academic dress creates a unified and dignified atmosphere throughout the commencement ceremony.

SUNY College of Optometry Commencement & Academic Regalia Overview

The State University of New York College of Optometry, Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, hosts a formal commencement ceremony that honors graduates across all programs, including Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), master’s, and bachelor-level certificates where applicable. Academic regalia is an essential part of the ceremony, providing a dignified, professional, and visually cohesive experience. Each graduate’s attire signifies degree level, academic discipline, and honors earned, reflecting institutional pride.

Bachelor-level graduates wear a classic black graduation gown with a mortarboard cap and standard black tassel. Optional honor cords and stoles may be added to highlight academic achievement, leadership, or membership in recognized honor societies. These cords and stoles are designed to complement the gown while distinguishing graduates who have attained academic honors.

Master’s graduates wear black gowns with long, square sleeves paired with a mortarboard cap and academic hood. The hood features satin lining in SUNY blue and gold, and velvet trim in colors representing the graduate’s field of study. Approved honor cords and stoles may also be worn to signify outstanding academic performance, leadership, or organizational involvement.

Doctoral graduates wear gowns with velvet panels and three sleeve bars, paired with a tam cap and gold tassel. The doctoral hood is larger, with satin lining in institutional colors and velvet trim indicating the optometry discipline (seafoam green). Approved stoles or cords may be worn to highlight academic distinction or honors.

Faculty and staff regalia aligns with the highest earned degree and academic discipline. Robes, hoods, and caps are designed to distinguish faculty from students while maintaining a cohesive ceremonial appearance. Velvet trims and hood linings reflect both the degree and the institution, ensuring a professional and unified presentation.

Google Store-Style Listing Highlights

• Cap, gown, and tassel sets for all SUNY College of Optometry graduates
• Honor cords and stoles for recognized achievements and honors
• Master’s and doctoral hoods with institutional lining and discipline-specific velvet trim
• Doctoral gowns with velvet panels and optional tam caps for professional presentation
• Faculty robes and hoods aligned with highest earned degrees and disciplines
• Complete regalia bundles for ceremony-ready appearance and professional photography