There’s no better feeling than moving your tassel from right to left as you stand alongside your fellow graduates. Make sure you have all the right regalia to walk across the stage with confidence and capture unforgettable graduation moments.
Purchase Grad Gear in Person
The best place for undergraduate and graduate students to get their regalia is at a Commencement Fair, where you can also grab a free formal graduation photo and more. Don’t miss it!
Only adornments approved per university policy, and/or those of Academic Honor Societies, are allowed to be worn at Commencement. All other non-academic adornments, including stoles, cords, and medallions, are prohibited during the ceremonies and are subject to removal. Altering gowns is also prohibited, and only gowns purchased from Herff Jones or the FIU Bookstore are permitted. The university reserves the right to request a graduate to remove any item deemed in violation of this policy and/or restrict the graduate from participating in Commencement.
Special Adornments
Academic Honor Society Adornments
Academic honor societies may be eligible to wear stoles or medallions representing their organization at Commencement. Please check directly with your honor society to see if these adornments are offered.
These items are not sold at the FIU Bookstore.
Here is a list of recognized academic honor societies.
Academic Honor Cords
Undergraduate students who applied for graduation with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and at least 40 graded credit hours at FIU are eligible to purchase an honor cord to wear at commencement.
Honor Cord Levels:
Cum Laude (GPA 3.5 – 3.699) – White
Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.7 – 3.899) – Silver
Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.9 – 4.0) – Gold
The FIU Bookstore maintains the list of eligible students. If you believe your name was mistakenly omitted, contact OneStop. Please note that students with exceptions to walk are not eligible for honor cords.
The Stole of Gratitude is a heartfelt way for graduates to honor someone who significantly supported their journey, whether through wisdom, encouragement, or financial help. Worn during commencement, it symbolizes appreciation, then is presented to that person afterward.
Graduates may also add a personal message on the back, and friends and family can sign it. The stole becomes a lasting token of love, gratitude, and academic achievement.
The 1st Generation Stole is a symbol of pride for students who are the first person in their family to graduate from college. Worn over the academic gown, it represents a historic achievement and a deep connection to family and community.
The Veterans Stole is a symbol of honor and gratitude for students who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Worn over the academic gown, it represents sacrifice, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to both country and education.
The Student Athlete Stole is a symbol of dedication and perseverance for student-athletes who have excelled both in the classroom and in competition. Worn over the academic gown, it represents discipline, teamwork, and the drive to succeed on and off the field.ishment.
Choosing your Regalia
Bachelor’s caps and gowns are blue, while master’s and specialists are black. Tassels, which vary in color by degree, should be worn on the right side of your cap. All regalia are made from 100% recycled materials.
Find your Tassel Colors
Each tassel color represents your field of study, symbolizing your academic journey at Florida International University.
- Architecture - Blue Violet
- Art Education - Light Blue
- Arts and Sciences - White
- Business - Drab
- Communication Arts - Crimson
- Criminal Justice - Peacock Blue
- Doctoral Candidates - Gold
- Economics - Copper
- Education - Light Blue
- Engineering and Computer Science - Orange
- Fine Arts - White
- Health Sciences - Green
- Health Service Administration - Green
- Honors - Gold
- Hospitality and Tourism Management - Navy Blue
- International and Public Affairs - White
- Mass Communication - Crimson
- Music - Pink
- Nursing - Apricot
- Physician Assistant - Green
- Public Administration - Peacock Blue
- Public Health - Salmon
- Social Work - Citron
- Other - White
Find your Hood
Each doctoral degree is distinguished by a unique hood color, symbolizing their field of study. Doctoral candidates wear gold tassels as a symbol of their academic achievement.
- All Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates – Navy Blue
- Doctoral of Athletic Training (DAT) candidates - Sage Green
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) candidates – Light Blue
- Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT) candidates – Teal
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidates – Apricot
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) candidates – Green
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidates – Drab
Decorating Your Cap
Decorating your cap is allowed and encouraged as part of the commencement tradition! Add some family-friendly flair to make your celebration even more memorable. Let your creativity shine with age-appropriate embellishments to showcase your accomplishments.
Avoid the following:
- Don’t alter the structure of the cap or add anything that could obstruct the view of others, like tall or bulky items.
- Please avoid using wiring, batteries, or any items that could cause concern or be mistaken for something unsafe in your cap decorations to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
- No tossing of caps is allowed during or after the ceremony.
- If decorations don't meet guidelines, you may be asked to remove them or wear a replacement cap provided by the university.
Plan Your Outfit
Before you head to commencement, make sure to check the dress code for what to wear under your regalia.
Graduates must bring their cap and gown with them and put it on only after entering the arena and clearing security. Regalia cannot be worn when entering the arena.
Avoid wearing the following items:
- Sneakers
- Beach sandals
- Shorts
