
Commencement Regalia Cords, Medals, and Stoles

Commencement Regalia
Students participating in Empire State University commencement ceremonies are required to wear regalia. Students eligible to participate in commencement are sent information by email on how to place their regalia order. More information regarding communications and regalia can be found on the Commencement FAQ page.
For students earning their associate or bachelor's degrees, undergraduate regalia consists of a black gown and a black mortarboard cap with a black tassel.
For students earning their master's degree, graduate regalia consists of a black gown, a black mortarboard with a black tassel, and a master's hood. Master's hoods feature a blue satin and orange chevron, with a velvet to signify their degree. The master's hood velvet colors and degrees are listed below.
Apricot: Nursing
Drab: Business
Gold: Cybersecurity, Information Technology
Light Blue: Education
Peacock: Public Administration, Social and Public Policy, Work and Labor Policy
White: Public History, Liberal Studies
Cords, Medals and Stoles
The cords, medals and stoles listed below represent university-affiliated honors and distinctions.
Academic Recognitions
Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society | Adult Learner Honor Society | Gold Medallion
Dean’s Medal | Graduate Academic Excellence | Medal with Blue and Orange Ribbon
Latin Honors | Undergraduate Academic Excellence | Gold Cord
Sigma Theta Tau | International Honor Society of Nursing | Purple and White Cord
University Affiliations
Opportunity Program Student | Engagement and academic achievement in Opportunity Programs, which extend resources to students from underrepresented, underrecognized, or underserved backgrounds | Orange, Blue, and White Cord
Student Government Association Member | Teal and Gold Cord
Military Affiliations
Military and Veteran Student | Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard Stole and Red, White, and Blue Cord
Military Spouse | Red, White, and Blue Cord