Experience NLC Current Students Graduation Mobile - Regalia

Regalia (Cap and Gown)

Academic Regalia - Academic gowns represent a tradition that comes down from the universities of the Middle Ages. In 1895 in the United States, the Intercollegiate Commission prepared a code specifying the design and color of academic regalia. Under this code, the

Bachelor’s Gown has long pointed sleeves designed to be worn closed. The Master’s Gown has an oblong sleeve, which gives the impression of a short sleeve. The rear part of its oblong shape is square cut, and the front portion has an arc cut away. The Doctor’s Gown has bell-shaped sleeves.

Doctor’s and Master’s recipients wear hoods which may represent the color of the college or university from which the degree is received.

Caps are the traditional mortarboard except for the Doctor’s degree, where a four-sided velvet tam is optional. Caps from schools with special color gowns or foreign universities may be more distinctive. Holders of all these degrees wear the tassel on the left. Candidates for graduation wear the tassel on the right.

 

All participants must wear the provided academic cap and gown.

  • It is recommended that you take your gown out of the bag, steam it or iron it on a low setting, and place it on a hanger a few days before your ceremony in order to decrease the wrinkles.
  • Those wearing regalia always wear their caps in academic processions and during the ceremony of conferring degrees. Gowns must be zipped up at these times.
  • The cap is worn level on the head, slightly forward (never tilted) with the tassel on the front right.
  • Tassel is worn on the right side of the cap (until the end of the commencement ceremony when graduates will be instructed to shift the tassel to the left side).
  • Graduates may decorate their cap for the ceremony.

Honors and Honor Cords

  • Only one Stole may be worn with as many Cords as earned.
  • Undergraduates who have maintained at least a 5 NLC GPA will be recognized for graduating with honors with a “gold” Honors Cord.
    • Note: GPA Honors designations listed in the commencement program are unofficial. Your official designation will be indicated on your Official Transcript.
  • Any additional recognition items are to be coordinated with specific organizations. For example, Phi Theta Kappa/NSLS Stoles (and other accessories) are purchased through the Phi Theta Kappa/NSLS