Getting Your Regalia
If you have/are planning to have a career in academia and need to own your own fine-quality regalia, you may order this from our vendor.
About Your Regalia
Purple keeper gowns custom designed for Northwestern and featuring the University crest are the standard regalia and must be worn by all participating candidates. Tassels feature the Northwestern seal signet and are worn on the left side at all times.
- Dual degree candidates should order the cap and gown of the higher degree being awarded.
- Any additional hoods, tassels or Northwestern stole (please note the Northwestern stole is only given with the bachelor regalia package) can be purchased at the Northwestern Bookstore.
- If the degrees are on the same level, the student can choose the regalia to order and then can purchase the additional tassel, stole or hood at the Northwestern Bookstore.
- You can find your tassel colors on the List of Degrees page.
Bachelor’s degree regalia includes a souvenir stole. Advanced degree candidates wear hoods. The lining of the Northwestern hood is purple and gold, and the color of the velvet border of the hood indicates the academic area. Please see the School Convocation pages for tassel and hood border colors.
Regalia Guidelines
Candidates may not alter or decorate their regalia in any way. Doing so may interfere with the ability to participate in events including Commencement, Convocation, and any hooding ceremony.
Honor Cords and Stoles Guidelines
Degree candidates are eligible to wear one or more of the following honor cords and/or stoles during the commencement ceremony and school or college convocations:
College/School Honor Cord
College/School honor cords will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate degree candidates who are candidates for graduation with high honors within their respective school or college. More information about these will be forthcoming to those who qualify.
Membership, Leadership & Service Honor Cords, Stoles & Pins
These honor cords, stoles, and pins may be worn to designate membership, achievement, leadership or service. Please check with your respective student organization or campus department for honor cord, stole, and pin guidelines and distribution.
Guidelines for Receiving Honor Cords
More information will be available soon about honor cords from schools. Eligible students who receive membership, leadership and service honor cords, stoles, and pins will receive up their honor cords, stoles and pins from the respective department or organization awarding the honor. The Commencement Office does not distribute honor cords, identity or affinity stoles, and/or pins.
Additional Graduation Items
Balfour is our vendor for class rings and announcements. The Northwestern Barnes & Noble Bookstore carries diploma frames and additional spirit apparel.