Commencement Regalia Information

Learn more about academic dress, military recognition, and the process of ordering regalia for their upcoming commencement.

Academic Regalia

Academic regalia, or the dress uniform of one of the U.S. Armed Forces, is required to participate in the commencement ceremony. Advanced degree candidates wear the tassel of the cap on the left front edge. Doctoral candidates should carry their hoods over their left arms during the processional; master’s candidates should wear the hoods over their shoulders (velvet toward chin).

Ordering Regalia

The deadline to order regalia for the spring semester is Friday, March 28.

Master's Regalia

Doctoral Regalia

Military Recognition

All Penn State students who have met graduation requirements and have served on active duty, in the Reserve/National Guard, or who will be granted a commission through Penn State Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are eligible to receive a red, white and blue honor cord to wear with approved academic dress at commencement ceremonies. Students should contact the Office of Veterans Programs at veteran@psu.edu or 814-863-0465 to coordinate a pickup inside the Penn State Student Veteran Center. ROTC personnel may pick up their honor cord from their representative/office. Students who have not yet submitted the required proof of service to receive an honor cord should visit Priority Registration / Honor Cord for specific guidance.

Students receiving commissions in the armed forces will stand with their classmates when the academic degree is conferred, and when receiving acknowledgment as a group.

Please note - Military cords received through the University is University recognized commencement attire. Additional ornamentation is not permitted.