Regalia and Announcements
Graduates must wear regalia if participating in the ceremony.
Baccalaureate Candidates
Caps: Candidates for bachelor's degrees should purchase a blue mortarboard. The mortarboard cap should be worn horizontally to the ground (not tipped in any direction), with the point of the cap in the middle of the forehead. Tassel should be worn on the right side of the cap until formal conferral during the ceremony.
Gowns: Candidates for bachelor's degrees should purchase a blue gown with square sleeves.
Cords and Stoles: Candidates for bachelor's degrees may choose to purchase cords or stoles if the criteria for such items has been meet. Additional information and criteria are listed below. These items are optional.
Doctoral, Specialist and Master's Candidates
Caps: Doctoral candidates may purchase a black tam. Specialist and Masters candidates should purchase a black mortarboard. Tassel should be worn on the left side of the cap.
Gowns: Doctoral candidates should purchase a black gown with a bell shaped sleeve and velvet bands. Master's and Specialist candidates should purchase a black gown with oblong sleeves.
Hoods: All Doctoral, Specialist and Master's candidates should purchase an appropriate hood according to the degree received. Hoods are trimmed with the colors of the institution and the color of your degree. Reference the color chart below.
Hood Color Chart
| Degree | Color | |
|---|---|---|
| D.N.P. | Doctor of Nursing Practice | Apricot |
| Ed.S. | Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology | Light Blue |
| M.A. | Master of Arts in History | White |
| M.A. | Master of Arts in History - Public History | White |
| M.B.A. | Master of Business Administration | Drab |
| M.E.P.D. | Master of Education in Professional Development | Light Blue |
| M.P.H. | Master of Public Health | Salmon Pink |
| M.S. | Master of Science in Athletic Training | Gold |
| M.S. | Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders | Silver |
| M.S. | Master of Science in Data Science | Gold |
| M.S. | Master of Science in Exercise Physiology | Gold |
| M.S. | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Silver |
| M.S.E. | Master of Science in Education | Light Blue |
| M.S.N. | Master of Science in Nursing | Apricot |
Purchase Regalia
Online Ship to Campus
Pre-order on the and ship to the Bookstore for in-person pick-up. Pre-ordering is an option for students who don't want to pay for the regalia now but want to ensure they'll get the size they need. Select the Pick up Cap and Gown at UWEC option. Order deadline is March 22, 2026. Pickup regalia from 1-6 p.m. on April 8 in the University Bookstore.
Online Ship to Home
If you are unable to come to campus, visit the for a full selection of cap, gown, tassels, stoles, announcements and more. Please select the Ship Cap and Gown to Home option. Look for the Cap & Gown tab on their website. Regalia Order Deadline: April 20, 2026.
In The Bookstore
Beginning April 8, regalia will be available for purchase on campus from the University Bookstore. Items may be purchased as a full package or ala carte.
What to Wear Under Regalia
Dress comfortably. You will be at Commencement for about three hours. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure youre dressed comfortably enough for both. Graduates will walk on turf, up stairs, and down ramps. Business casual dress is recommended.
Dont wear stilettos. Dress flats are recommended, but if youre planning to wear heels, note that you cannot wear stilettos. You wont be allowed to line up in the fieldhouse for commencement if you are wearing stiletto heels. Chunky heels and wedges are okay.
Dont forget your regalia. Make sure you have your cap, gown, and tassel (and hood, for graduate students). Dont wait until Commencement day to unwrap it. Take it out of the plastic, make sure you have everything, and hang it up to let some of the wrinkles fall out. (If youre feeling ambitious, give it a steam.)
Academic Distinction and Honors
In addition to the traditional cap and gown, undergraduates who have achieved academic distinction and honors may wear the following cords and medals.
Gold Cord: Academic Distinction
Graduation with distinction is conferred on undergraduates who are earning a first or second baccalaureate degree and who have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher as outlined in the
cum laude, minimum GPA of 3.2
magna cum laude, minimum GPA of 3.5
summa cum laude, minimum GPA of 3.8
Gold Medal: Mark Stephen Cosby Honors College
The Mark Stephen Cosby Honors College offers high-value experiences and a supportive learning community, enabling high-achieving students to integrate specially themed courses, interdisciplinary seminars, experiential learning opportunities, research, and leadership. Graduating with university honors requires a student to complete the 26-credit curriculum and earn a resident and cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Silver Medal: Departmental Honors
Departmental honors offer a path for students to deepen and expand their learning experience through honors-level work within their department or major.
Other Adornments
UWEau Claire is committed to ensuring that commencement ceremonies reflect both the dignity of the occasion and the diverse achievements of its graduates. Undergraduates may wear other approved adornments that recognize service, personal accomplishments, leadership, or identity. Approval for new cords must be obtained at least 90 days prior to the commencement ceremonies. Requests can be submitted to commencement@uwec.edu. Costs are the responsibility of the organization or the individual graduate.
Graduates may also decorate their mortarboards. Personal adornments and decorations must remain respectful, inclusive, and free of offensive, or otherwise inappropriate content. Decorations should be flat or lowprofile to ensure safety and should not obstruct visibility or interfere with walking, hooding, or other elements of the ceremony.
Members who work to advance the club's mission in areas of cybersecurity research, growth, and competition may purchase a light blue and gold cord. Contact the club's vice president for eligibility details at cyberclub@uwec.edu.
Graduates who have accumulated a total of 10 points or more - based on the criteria found on the SOS website - are eligible to receive a green cord made from natural, biodegradable hemp. Email sos@uwec.edu for additional information.
Students who are the first in their family to graduate or idetify as first-generation graduates are recognized with a teal cord. Interested students should visit the Dean of Students office, located in 240 Schofield Hall, to self-identify and request cords.
International stoles can represent the country of origin for a student or the academic accomplishments of a student that has studied abroad. If you studied abroad, please consider purchasing a stole to represent that country.
The Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) recognizes graduates who self-identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community with rainbow-colored cords. Graduates may also participate in a Walking OUT celebration at the end of each semester. To request cords or learn more, contact the GSRC.
Learning and Technology Services staff will provide a royal blue and silver cord to graduates who have worked in LTS and meet at least one eligibility criterion. Contact Kent Gerberich for additional details.
The 91做厙 McIntyre Library staff will provide a yellow and white cord to graduates who have worked in the McIntyre Library. Reach out to the director of the library at library@uwec.edu for more information.
Reach out to Miranda Cross-Schindler to request a red, white, and blue cord.
Students who make a donation to the 91做厙 Foundation in honor of a faculty or staff member receive a blue and gold cord.
The 91做厙 Housing staff will provide a blue, white and black cord to graduates who are resident assistants in our residence halls. Email Deb Newman at housing@uwec.edu for additional information.
A stole of gratitude can be purchased and worn during the commencement ceremony. After the ceremony, the new graduate presents the stole to someone who provided help or support during their college journey, like parents, relatives, or mentors who have helped with wisdom, words of support, or with financial assistance.
Student athletes who positively represent the university in the classroom as well as in intercollegiate athletic competition could be eligible to wear this stole. Student athletes who appear on a UWEC varsity collegiate athletic roster for four or more seasons or who appear on a UWEC varsity collegiate athletic roster during the calendar year in which they graduate could qualify. Please contact the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for additional information.
Interested students must submit an application and complete the requirements for the USCA Certification. Eligible students receive a royal blue and white cord at the Senior Celebration for the Marketing and Supply Chain Department. Contact Dr. Lenita Davis for further information.