Commencement

What Do I Wear?

Academic attire is required for all participants in Commencement exercises. Graduates should arrive at the Tsongas Center by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 with their:
  • Cap, Gown, Hood 
  • Any honors cords or stoles 
  • Name card  (for undergraduates and master's candidates ONLY)

On-line graduates  should place their order for academic attire with the North Campus Bookstore by May 1, 2013. Please fill out the Bachelor's Regalia Order form to have your regalia shipped to you. 

All undergraduate students may pick up their caps and gowns at the The Cap & Gown Countdown to be held on April 11 (additional information will be sent out via email regarding this event).  Undergraduates DO NOT need to pre-order their cap and gown, they will be distributed by height at the Cap and Gown Countdown. You will be able to pick up everything you need for graduation all in one place.  Also, there will be prizes, free food and more!

All graduates who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces will wear a white aiguillette at the Commencement Ceremony in recognition of their service to our country. These aiguillettes will be presented at the SALUTE ceremony in April. If you have any additional questions please contact the Office of Veterans' Services at 978-934-2491. 

NOTE:  Latecomers are not guaranteed academic attire. Students, members of the administration and faculty who delay their arrangements beyond May 1, 2013 should contact the bookstore directly about expedited options.

For your convenience, the North Campus Bookstore is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the bookstore at 978-934-2623 or 978-934-6426.

Academic Regalia

The Academic Cap

Students and faculty alike will be happy to learn that the tassel may be worn on either the left or right side and that no significance is officially given to how the tassel is worn.

The Academic Hood

All hood linings for the University of Massachusetts Lowell have a field of royal blue, which is divided by a red chevron.  

The colors utilized by the University of Massachusetts Lowell for hood bands are as follows:

Academic Degrees

  • White: Bachelor of Arts
  • White: Master of Arts
  • Cream: Bachelor of Liberal Arts
  • Yellow: Bachelor of Science
  • Yellow: Master of Science
  • Yellow: Doctor of Science
  • Dark Blue: Doctor of Philosophy

Professional Degrees

  • Teal: Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Apricot: Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Light Blue: Master of Education
  • Light Blue: Doctor of Education
  • Orange: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • Orange: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
  • Orange: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology
  • Orange: Master of Management Science in Manufacturing Engineering
  • Orange: Master of Science in Engineering
  • Orange: Doctor of Engineering
  • Dark Brown: Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Drab Brown: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Drab Brown: Master of Business Administration
  • Drab Brown: Master of Management Science 
  • Pink: Bachelor of Music
  • Pink: Master of Music