Commencement

What Do I Wear?

Academic attire is required for all participants in Commencement exercises. Graduates should arrive at the Tsongas Center by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 with their:
  • Cap, Gown, Hood 
  • Any honors cords or stoles 
  • Name card  (master's candidates ONLY)

Doctoral candidates must order their academic attire with the bookstore by May 1, 2013, or fill out the Doctoral Regalia Order Form. (Doctoral students will also receive a copy of the order form via email).  

Master's candidates can place their order for academic attire with the North Campus Bookstore beginning April 11, 2013.  If you would like your regalia shipped to you, please fill out the Master's Regalia Shipping Form. 

On-line graduates should place their order for academic attire with the North Campus bookstore by May 1, 2013. Please see the Bachelor's Regalia Order form if you would like your attire shipped to you.

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.

Graduating with Honors

Master's & doctoral candidates do not receive honor cords as part of their academic attire.

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