All graduates must wear only approved TAMU-CC regalia to participate in commencement. Regalia has been redesigned for Fall 2023. Regalia must be purchased prior to the commencement ceremony.
Guidelines for appropriate attire and adornments at commencement have been established by the Provost, the Commencement Coordinator, and the University Registrar in order to preserve the importance of the occasion and to show respect for the University, its graduates, and their families. Formal academic regalia consisting of black academic gowns and mortarboards are the dress of the day. Students may choose what attire they wish to wear underneath their regalia, but clothing is mandatory, as are shoes. Bare feet will not be permitted in the arena, as this is not hygienic. Apart from decorated caps (which are permitted), non-permitted adornments are not acceptable. The following outlines the adornments and attire that are acceptable to be worn as part of the academic regalia at commencement.
Adornments to the traditional academic regalia may include but are not limited to cords, stoles, medallions, and pins.
Graduation Cord
Only those who have achieved an academic honor or are members of an academic honor society are entitled to wear honor cords.
- Latin honor cords are worn only by undergraduate students. To be recognized with Latin honors at the commencement ceremony, students must have earned the appropriate grade point average and completed at least 45 undergraduate semester hours at this institution by the end of the semester immediately preceding the one in which they will graduate. To recognize the considerable effort of the undergraduate students who earn Latin honors, the color of the cord signifies the level of honor:
- Summa Cum Laude – silver
- Magna Cum Laude – Islander blue
- Cum Laude – kelly green
- Veteran or military students may wear a red, white, and blue wrapped cord.
- Cords may not be used for any other designation unless by specific permission from the Office of the Provost through the Registrar within 30 days prior to the ceremony via written request.
Stoles, Pins, and Medallions
Stoles, pins, and medallions may be worn only to signify participation in an officially recognized student organization, athletics, or a specific program recognized by the University (e.g., fraternities, sororities, chapters, student clubs, and affiliated co-curricular clubs).
