- Responsible Office:
- UW-Green Bay
Commencement ceremonies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay are important to the preservation of our tradition and history, and serve to recognize the academic achievements of our graduating students in an honorable way.
Apparel
The following approved academic apparel is required for all students participating in these ceremonies and should be purchased through The Phoenix Bookstore:
Associate's Degree Candidates
- Black commencement gown that zips in front
- Black mortarboard (cap)
- White tassel, worn on the right side of the cap until degree conferral, then moved to the left side
Bachelor’s Degree Candidates
- Black commencement gown that zips in front
- Black mortarboard (cap)
- UW-Green Bay tassel, worn on the right side of the cap until degree conferral, then moved to the left side
Master’s Degree Candidates
- Black commencement gown (specific to master’s degree candidates) that zips in front
- Black mortarboard (cap)
- Black tassel, worn on the left side of the cap for the duration of the ceremony
- Master’s hood (purchased separately from gown package)
Academic Regalia
The purpose of regalia worn with commencement apparel is to recognize distinguished academic accomplishments. Only such regalia earned through undergraduate academic honors at UW-Green Bay, qualified membership in an approved academic honor society, the International Education Study Abroad Program or the University Leadership Awards program is recognized and noted in the ceremony program booklet. The specific level of academic honors (cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude) is also announced when an eligible bachelor’s degree candidate receives his/her diploma during the ceremony.
Academic honor cords are distributed to eligible students by Commencement Program staff in the UWGB Union, Office of Student Life. All other approved academic regalia is available for purchase through the appropriate programs and honor societies (see list for advisor or contact).
Non-Academic Regalia
Although not recognized in the ceremony script or booklet, some degree candidates with non-academic group affiliations may be granted approval to wear regalia such as cords, stoles, sashes or pins. Examples are those who have qualified membership in certain registered campus student organizations, fraternities or sororities. A current list of approved non-academic regalia is posted on the commencement website. Graduates seeking approval to wear non-academic regalia not already on this list must submit a request form to do so. If the request is for a student organization, the president must submit the form. Request forms must be received at least 30 days prior to the Commencement ceremony. Applicants will be notified of the approval decision via campus email.
Cultural and/or Religious Attire
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay prefers and recommends that all students participating in the Commencement Ceremony adhere to the Commencement Apparel and Regalia Policy (wearing of black cap and gown). Cultural and/or religious adornments/attire of personal significance may be worn.