Academic regalia is one of the time-honored traditions of higher education institutions around the globe, including West Virginia University. With its roots in Medieval Europe, the guidelines for American academic dress were outlined in 1895 by representatives from Columbia, Princeton, Yale and New York. As the land grant institution of West Virginia, WVU proudly upholds these traditions for it graduation ceremonies.
Must I wear regalia for Commencement?
Yes. Regalia is required for participation in each of the Commencement ceremonies. Graduates of the Honors College should wear their customized gold gowns for their individual school/college ceremonies.
Where can I purchase regalia?
The official West Virginia University regalia is available only at the Downtown and Evansdale WVU Bookstore locations. http://wvu.bkstore.com/ or http://www.herff-jones.com/college
Is there a difference between the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral gowns?
Yes. The doctors’ gowns fall approximately 6 inches above the wearer’s ankle and have disctinctive billowy, bell-shaped sleeves. The doctors’ gowns also have a front velvet facing and three colored velvet bars on the sleeves.
The gowns for master’s candidates should also fall to 6 inches above the ankle, but the sleeves bear a unique rectangular shape that hangs below the hand.
The bachelor’s gown is a simple pleated gown that falls to just above the ankle.
Please note that West Virginia University graduates wear a customized blue gown with a gold university seal. The Honors College graduates don a customized gold gown.
The hood also accompanies the attire of masters and doctoral degree candidates.
It is strongly recommended that you wear the appropriate gown for your level of degree. You have worked hard and earned the right to wear the regalia that matches your achievement!
What color is associated with my field of study and/or degree for my tassel and hood?
Please refer to the listing below as a guide. The staff at the WVU Bookstore can also assist you. If your specific major is not listed below, please see the bookstore or your school/college for guidance.
College of Business and Economics
All Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees – drab
College of Creative Arts
For all Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees:
Art – white
Music – pink
Theater/Visual Arts – brown
School of Dentistry
All divisions – lilac
Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences
Bachelor’s:
Agricultural Education – maize
Animal and Veterinary Sciences – maize
Landscape Architecture – maize
Plant and Soil Science – maize
Recreation and Park Management – russet
Resource Management – russet
Forest Resources Management – russet
Wildlife Resources Management – russet
Wood Industries – russet
Consumer Sciences – maroon
Master’s:
Agricultural Biochemistry – maize
Agricultural Economics – maize
Agricultural Education – maize
Agricultural Microbiology – maize
Agriculture – maize
Agronomy – maize
Animal and Veterinary Sciences – maize
Entomology – maize
Horticulture – maize
Plant Pathology – maize
Recreation and Park Management – russet
Forestry – russet
Wildlife Management – russet
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor’s:
Bachelor of Arts – white
Bachelor of Science -yellow
Regents Bachelor of Arts – white
Bachelor of Social Work – citron
Master’s:
Master of Arts – white
Master of Science – yellow
Master’s of Public Administration – peacock
Master’s of Social Work – citron
All Ph.D.’s – dark blue
College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
All Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees – orange
College of Human Resources and Education
Master’s and Bachelor’s Candidates:
Elementary and Secondary Education, Counseling – light blue
Speech Pathology and Audiology – yellow
Multidisciplinary Studies – white
All Ed.D.’s – light blue
Interdisciplinary Programs
Master’s Degree:
Genetics and Developmental Biology – yellow
Liberal Studies – white
Reproductive Physiology – yellow
College of Law
J.D. – purple
School of Medicine
Bachelor’s Degrees:
Medical Technology – kelly green
Exercise Physiology – kelly green
Master’s Degrees:
Exercise Physiology – green
Community Medicine – green
Medical Technology – green
M.D. – green
School of Nursing
All Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees – apricot
Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism
All Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees – crimson
School of Pharmacy
All Master’s and Doctoral Degrees – olive
School of Physical Education
All Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees – sage green
Certificates of Advanced Study Doctoral Degrees – light blue
I am a double major. Which color accessories should I wear? Can I wear more than one tassel?
You should wear the color (and gown) of the highest level degree you are receiving. If they are of equal ranking (i.e. two bachelor’s degrees) wear the color of the group with whom you are seated. You may not wear more than one tassel.
Where can I find honor cords, stoles, medallions, etc.?
These items are distributed through your school/college, or sponsoring organization. Please see them for ordering information. Unapproved adornments are not permitted.
Sources:
Academic Ceremonies: A Handbook of Traditions and Protocol by April Harris
An Academic Costume Code and An Academic Ceremony Guide by Eugene Sullivan, American Council on Education; Reprinted with permission from American Universities and Colleges, 15th edition �© 1997 Walter de Gruyter, Inc.