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