Academic Regalia

 

Graduation regalia includes the cap and gown, as well as other distinguishing hoods, stoles and cords that denote traditions of academic achievement or involvement in a student organization. Only those who have achieved a University academic honor or have their regalia request approved are entitled to wear special regalia.

Student organizations or Institute-approved programs must seek approval to issue adornments to the academic regalia for their student members participants. All adornments (stoles, ribbons, sashes, etc.) must be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs at least 30 days prior to the graduation ceremony. Regalia request will be reviewed upon submissions of an Academic Regalia Adornment Approval Form. Approved adornments for the University Ceremony (currently held at the end of Summer Terms) can be found below. The adornment list below is only for the University ceremony, and does not indicate approval for college commencement ceremonies. Organizations that wish to wear their regalia in the Spring and Fall ceremonies will need approval from their Dean's Office. 

University Issued Adornment

The University Medal is awarded to the undergraduate student (or students) graduating with the GPA of 4.0 or higher, provided that the student (or students) earn all A-level grades and more than 50 percent of the credits required for the degree has been earned at LSU A&M. In semesters where no student qualifies based on the above criteria, no medal will be awarded. Grade-point averages will be computed for (1) all work completed and (2) all work completed at LSU A&M with the lower of the two averages determining eligibility for the medal. Course grades that were excluded previously through the Grade Exclusion Policy will be included in determining the University Medalists. All grades will be used to determine medalists.

Information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog.

Gold University medal on a purple and gold string.

Undergraduate degree candidates who will graduate with Latin Honors wear cords.  Purple and gold cords are worn by degree candidates who graduate with Latin Honors. White cords are worn by undergraduate degree candidates who graduate with Upper Division Honors.  Purple, gold, and white cords, or any combination of the three colors, are not authorized to be worn by any other graduates.

Summa Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude Upper Division Honors

Degrees are awarded summa cum laude to students whose grade point averages is at least 3.90. Additional information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog.

Summa Cum Laude graduates wear a purple and a gold cord.

Degrees are awarded magna cum laude to students whose grade point averages  is at least 3.80. Additional information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog.

Magna Cum Laude graduates wear two gold cords.

Degrees are awarded magna cum laude to students whose grade point averages  is at least 3.70. Additional information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog.

Cum Laude graduates wear two purple cord.

Upper Division Honors Distinction is an achievement within the Ogden Honors College curriculum. Information on eligibility can be found through the Ogden Honors College

Upper Division Honors graduates wear a white cord.

Purple and gold honor cords. Gold Honor Cords. Purple honor cords. White honor cords.

 

Undergraduate degree candidates graduating with College Honors wear the undergraduate hood.  Hoods are not authorized to be worn by other undergraduate degree candidates. College Honors is the culmination of the Ogden Honors curriculum. Information on eligibility can be found through the Ogden Honors College.

Master’s degree candidates wear the traditional black gown with full-length square sleeves that have a crescent-shaped piece hanging from each sleeve. They also wear a master’s hood that is lined in purple and gold and is distinguished on the outside by the color of their degree program. The color of each hood by college and degree can be found below.

All Master of Science degrees awarded by the College of Agriculture wear a Maize colored hood.

Degree Hood Color
Master of Architecture Blue Violet
Master of Art in Art History White
Master of Fine Arts Brown
Master of Landscape Architecture  Blue Violet 

Degree Hood Color
Master of Accountancy Drab
Master of Business Administration Drab
Master of Science in Financial Economics Drab
Master of Science in Analytics Drab
Master of Public Administration Peacock
Master of Science in Finance  Drab

All Master of Science degrees awarded by the College of the Coast and Environment wear a Gold colored hood.

All Master of Science degrees awarded by the College of Engineering wear an Orange colored hood.

Degree Hood Color
Master of Arts - Education Light Blue
Master of Arts in Teaching  Light Blue
Master of Education Light Blue
Master of Science - Athletic Training Gold
Master of Science - Kinesiology Sage
Master of Science - Leadership & Human Resource Development Peacock
Master of Social Work Citron
Master of Library Information Science Lemon
Master of Science - Sport Management Gold
Master of Science - Child and Family Studies Gold

Degree Hood Color
Master of Art - Communication Science and Disorders Silver
Master of Art - Communication Studies White
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing Brown
Master of Art - Creative Writing  White
Master of Art - Hispanic Studies White
Master of Art - French Studies White
Master of Art - Geography White
Master of Art - Anthropology White
Master of Art - History White
Master of Art - Liberal Arts White
Master of Art - Philosophy White
Master of Art - Political Science White
Master of Art - Psychology White
Master of Art - Sociology White

All Master of Mass Communication degrees awarded by the Manship School of Mass Communication wear a Crimson colored hood.

Degree Hood Color
Master of Music Pink
Master of Fine Arts Brown 

All Master of Science degrees awarded by the College of Science wear a Gold colored hood.

All Master of Science degrees awarded by the School of Veterinary Science wear a Gold colored hood.

Degree Hood Color
Master of Art - Higher Education Light Blue
Master of Science - Analytics Drab
Master of Business Administration Drab
Master of Science - Civil Engineering  Orange
Master of Science - Construction Management  Orange
Master of Art - Education Light Blue
Master of Art - Educational Leadership Light Blue
Master of Science - Environmental Sciences  Gold 
Master of Science - Industrial Engineering Orange
Master of Science - Kinesiology  Sage
Master of Science - Leadership & Human Resource Development Peacock
Master of Art - Liberal Arts White
Master of Library Information Science Lemon
Master of Public Administration Peacock
Master of Social Work Citron
Master of Science - Sport Management  Gold

Doctoral candidates wear customized purple regalia with full rounded sleeves, velvet facings featuring the LSU seal, and purple bars on the sleeves. Doctoral candidates wear a six-pointed tam. Hoods are lined in purple and gold, and each degree is distinguished by different color trim. The trim color by degree is listed below. 

Degree Hood Color
Doctor of Philosophy Blue
Doctor of Design White
Doctor of Musical Arts Pink

Approved Regalia

AITP is the departmental organization directly associated with ISDS at the E.J. Ourso College of Business at LSU. They are an organization that fosters student career success in the field of technology. Members are able to connect with classmates, collaborate with fellow ISDS majors, and network with business professionals to expand their network and knowledge of the constantly evolving IT industry. 

Members who have attended at least 5 professional development events throughout the semester will be recognized by wearing a gold stole with a purple AITP logo.

Gold Stole with AITP logo in purple

LSU varsity student-athletes graduates wear a white stole that recognizes their status as a student-athlete. Information on these graduates can be found through LSU Athletics.

White athletic stoles on a table celebrating student athletes.

Beta Beta Beta is a national biological honors society that fosters networking with professors and other students. This organization hosts meetings, events, and socials to engage students with LSU's College of Science while connecting undergraduates with faculty who enable students to conduct undergraduate research. Distinguished members are students specifically within biology related degrees who have maintained honor-level 3.0 GPAs and regularly attend club meetings, helping to further advance collaboration among future biology professionals while understanding the importance of academic success. Beta Beta Beta Cords

The BioMedical Engineering Society is a national professional organization with more than 6,800 members and 115 student chapters. The Biological Engineering Student Organization BMES chapter at LSU has existed for more than 40 years, acting as a pre-professional club for college students committed to a career in this field. This cord is meant to recognize students who have a demonstrated commitment to giving back to the community and to the field of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. 

BioMedical Engineering Scociety Cord

Chi Omega is the largest women's fraternity nationwide with over 173 chapters and 300,000 initiates.

The Phi Gamma chapter at LSU has been established for 87 years. The sisters of Chi Omega pride themselves in upholding the six purposes established by its founders: friendship, high standards of personnel, sincere learning and credible scholarship, participation in campus activities, career development, and community service.

Chi Omega White stole with Gold border that has the chi omega crest on one side and class year on the other side.

The Coalition of Black Women in STEM is an organization for African American women in STEM majors. This group inspires and uplifts its members and creates a positive impact on the community. Graduates wearing the silver and white cords are STEM majors, have a minimum of five volunteer hours, and regularly attend meetings.

Coalition of Black Women in STEM cords

Delta Gamma is one of the largest international women’s organizations with more than 250,000 members and 150 collegiate chapters.

The Gamma Zeta chapter is one of the largest and most highly respected sororities at LSU, just recently celebrating its 75th anniversary of being on LSU's campus. The sisters of Delta Gamma strive towards fostering high ideals of friendship among women, promoting their educational and cultural interests, creating a true sense of social responsibility, and developing in them the best qualities of character. Delta Gamma Stole

Delta Zeta is an enduring sisterhood based on a heritage of core values, academic excellence, leadership development, and service to others. Delta Zeta members take pride in upholding the 6 core values established by its founders: friendship, curiosity, generosity, citizenship, empowerment, and belonging. The stole showcases each member's academic and philanthropic dedication to serving LSU through Greek life over the past four years, specifically the Delta Zeta Sorority. Delta Zeta Stole

The LSU Distinguished Communicator program is for self-motivated LSU undergraduates who want to refine their communication skills and excel in their chosen professions. Students who successfully achieve this unique distinction are recognized with a medal at graduation and receive a permanent commendation on their official transcripts, giving them significant leverage in today’s job market. Upon completion of the program, these students possess the competitive skills and knowledge needed for 21st-century leadership.

Information on the program and the requirements can be found through Communication Across Curriculum.

Gold medal with purple and gold necklace.

The LSU Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher designation recognizes the achievements of outstanding LSU undergraduates who participate in a track of educational and research activities leading to a final and public presentation or publication of a faculty-mentored undergraduate scholarly project. An LSU Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher is a student who has demonstrated outstanding ability as an advanced student researcher in their discipline. Distinguished Researchers will be honored at a special medal ceremony in their graduating semester and the designation will be noted on their transcripts.

Information on this program and the requirements for this award are found at the Discover Undergraduate Research Program

Distinguished undergraduate researcher medal laid on table.

The Early Childhood Association is established for the expressed purpose of developing leadership skills and encouraging participation and professionalism in the field of education for young children. 

Information on this program and the requirements for this award are found at the LSU Early Childhood Association.

ECA Stole

The Center for Community Engagement, Learning, and Leadership (CCELL), in conjunction with LSU Campus Life , has established the Engaged Citizen Program, which seeks to support and recognize the accomplishments of undergraduate students who engage significantly with their communities to address critical community needs. For graduation, Engaged Citizens receive a medal and certificate during a celebration ceremony held on campus the week of your college’s graduation. They will also have the distinction on your college transcript—an accolade to add on applications and resumes that proves you used your knowledge and skills to serve others as an Engaged Citizen.

Information on the Engaged Citizen Program can be found through CCELL.

Gold medal with a tree for Engaged Citizens.

First-generation students are students whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s college degree. A first-generation student may also be a student whose parents completed a bachelor’s college degree outside of the United States.

In recognition of their achievements, first generation graduates will wear a sky blue cord. The Olinde Career Center will provide these cords. For information on how to receive these cords, please contact their office.

 

Sky Blue Cords

SAE International's Collegiate Design Series (CDS) competitions take students beyond textbook theory by enabling them to design, build, and test the performance of a real vehicle and then compete with other students from around the globe in exciting and intense competitions. All CDS competitions prepare undergraduate and graduate engineering students in a variety of disciplines for future employment in mobility-related industries by challenging them with a hands-on, team engineering experience that also requires budgeting, communication, project management, and resource management skills. Students also gain valuable exposure with recruiters from leading companies in the mobility industry to help land their first engineering job after graduation.

TigerRacing Formula SAE team members who have been an active member for at least two years will be recognized with a white stole with a yellow border with the LSU Formula SAE TigerRacing logo. The stole will also feature their position held. 

Yellow Border White Stole with Tiger Racing logo on the left side.

Habitat for Humanity senior cords are designed to honor and recognize members for their incredible hard-work and dedication to the club's mission throughout their years in the organization. 

At LSU, those wearing this cord will have attended at least 6 builds and have at least 40 volunteer hours at the Habitat Re-store retail location.

Brown and white spiraled honor cord.

The Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers is a professional society dedicated solely to the support of the Industrial Engineering profession pertaining to professional development and networking. The stole worn by members of the IISE organization are symbols of pride and accomplishment for being a part of this professional organization. These members wearing this stole at the academic ceremony displays leadership and commitment to professionally developing themselves during their time with IISE.IISE Stole

The graduation stole, "Kente Cloth" presented to LSU graduates by the African American Cultural Center is custom made and woven in Ghana, West Africa. The patterns and colors woven into the Kente cloth represent distinctive qualities exemplified by Louisiana State University graduates. The colors not only represent the tradition of our great University but also the culture, royalty, and precious metals from our rich heritage. Information on the robing ceremony can be provided by the African American Cultural Center.

Purple Kente stole featuring LSU.

The Kinesiology Club acquaints students with research and educational developments, promotes professionalism in the Kinesiology field, and provides a resource bank specific to our field, including information about potential employment, as well as professional organization membership and certification. Our club promotes social and academic interaction among graduate and undergraduate Kinesiology students and promotes a physically active lifestyle throughout the campus and its surrounding community. 

LSU Kinesiology Club Cord

Leadership LSU is designed to give students the experience of developing and applying their leadership at high levels while in their final semesters at LSU. Students wearing the Leadership LSU Stole have applied and been selected to complete the semester long program. To be included in the cohort they must demonstrate leadership and meet academic and conduct standards. A maximum of 50 students per year are selected to participate in Leadership LSU. Leadership LSU Stole

SOARS is a prestigious scholarship program within the College of Science awarded to students based on academic excellence and financial need. The blue and yellow cords are given to students who were part of the SOARS Scholarship program from initial selection until their senior year. 

Visit the LSU SOARS website for more information on this scholarship program.LSU SOARS cord

The National Society of Leaderships and Success is an organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success, and empowers them to have a positive impact in their communities.

Members will be recognized by wearing silver stole featuring in black the NSLS Sigma Alpha Pi letters. They will also wear a silver and black cord.

Silver Stole with Alphi Pi letters and a silver and black cord set.

The National TRIO Alumni Association (NTAA) promotes the continued existence of TRIO programs; and foster enduring relationships between alumni, students, and partners through intellectual, professional, and personal connections. At LSU there are three TRIO programs, Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. Through their academic, financial, social, and cultural supportive services, TRIO programs have empowered an estimated 6 million low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities to enter and graduate college. This regalia will be worn by an alumnus of a TRIO program. 

Members will be recognized by wearing a white stole with TRIO printed on one side and the logo of the National TRIO Alumni Association printed on the other.

A white stole with TRIO printed on one side and the logo of the National TRIO Alumni Association printed on the other.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) hosts a Multicultural Graduation Celebration to celebrate the achievements and honor the intersectionality of students graduating from LSU who identify as Latinx/Hispanic/Latin American, Native American, and Asian/Asian American & Pacific Islander.  The graduation stoles are custom made and feature patterns and colors woven into the stoles to represent distinctive qualities exemplified by Louisiana State University graduates.  Students may choose who they wish to present their cord and this event is open to the public. Information on this ceremony and ordering the stoles can be found through the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Three stoles approved for the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Omega Nu Lambda is a national collegiate honor society exclusively for online students. It was founded with the purpose of assisting online students have a better experience by acknowledging their academic achievements, offering scholarship opportunities, and creating community. Members are invited by their university representative. 

For more information on this organization, please reach out to the campus representative, Courtney Kirschner.Omega Nu Lambda Cords

Pi Sigma Epsilon is a professional organization for students and professionals in the field of sales, marketing, and management. PSE's mission is to develop professional skills and leadership abilities in its members through practical experience, workshops, and networking opportunities. Pi Sigma Epsilon also aims to foster a sense of community and social responsibility among its members. Membership is open to students who have an interest in sales, marketing, or management and who meet the organization's academic and professional standards.

Members will be recognized by wearing gold stole featuring their organization's symbol and name in purple.

Yellow stole with purple image of a hammer with wings on the left side and the text Pi Sigma Epsilon on the right.

The Pre-Dental Society at LSU is a student organization geared towards those interested in the fields of dentistry, dental hygiene and dental lab technology. The purple and white cord signifies participation in the organization that prepares students for dental or dental hygiene school. More information on this organization can be found on the Pre-Dental Society website.

Purple and white spiraled honor cord.

The Pre-Law Society at LSU is an organization that serves as a valuable resource for students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field.

To wear this honor cord, students must be active members who have gained at least 2 cohesion points, 3 volunteer points, and attendance at least 4 events such as induction, panels, practice LSATs, etc. All members must already be in academic good standing with the organization.

White stole with school colored striped that says "The Pre-Law Society at LSU" on the left side and class of info on the right side

LSU's Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College engages a diverse population of high-achieving students in a dynamic interaction of outstanding instruction, innovative research, and public service.

All Honors' College graduates will be recognized by a champagne cord. Those graduating with thesis honors will also receive a silver cord. Students graduating with upper division honors will receive a white cord. Information on the requirements for these honors can be found listed on the Honors College website

 
Thesis Honors Cord Honors College Graduate Cord Upper Division Honors Cord
Silver cord with tassels. Champagne cord with tassels. White cord with tassels.

 

Commissioning officers who have completed ROTC are eligible to wear the prescribed dress uniform. Information on commissioning ceremonies can be found through each branch: Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, and Naval ROTC.

Four ROTC cadets are recognized at a LSU commencement ceremony.

Sigma Alpha is LSU’s only professional and social sorority. Sigma Alpha was founded in 1978 at Ohio State University to promote women in agriculture, but members of any major and background are welcome. Like other sororities, Sigma Alpha embraces service in the community with two philanthropies. Their national philanthropy is Agriculture in the Community, which aims to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. The Zeta chapter’s local philanthropy is Companion Animal Alliance. They support the shelter by volunteering time with the animals as well as raising funds through an annual philanthropy event. Sigma Alpha strives for achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service and offers a wonderful opportunity to make lifelong friendships.Sigma Alpha Stole

Sigma Gamma Rho has a proud history of providing positive and proactive community outreach nationally and internationally. The sorority's mission is to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil action, and social action. Their goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health, awareness, and leadership development. The members, affiliates, staff, and community partners work to create and support initiatives that align with the sorority’s vision—Greater Service, Greater Progress. The Gamma Pi chapter was chartered on LSU’s campus on March 23, 2000, by four undergraduate students.

Sigma Gamma Rho Stole

LSU's student organization for Sport Administration majors aims to connect members with other SPADM majors and aspiring sport professionals. This club offers a variety of opportunities for networking, professional development and skill enhancement. Seniors in the Sport Administration Association are eligible to be recognized at graduation. Sports Admin Cords

Student Government's mission is to lead, advocate, and serve. LSU Student Government officers work tirelessly to improve the student experience at LSU. This is done through our elected and appointed branches. Students write legislation, meet with administrators, host programming, and create initiatives that benefit LSU's community as a whole. These student leaders serve the community by acting as advocates for student opinions and ensuring student representation across campus. Student Government Stole

Tau Beta Pi is the oldest Engineering Honor Society. Tau Beta Pi was founded in 1885 to recognize outstanding students who display both distinguished scholarship in engineering fields and exemplary character. The LA Alpha chapter at LSU has been on campus since 1936. 

In order to gain membership into Tau Beta Pi, an engineering student must be in the top 1/8th of the junior class or the top 1/5th of the senior class (within the College of Engineering) while exhibiting exemplary qualities of character. Initiated, active members of the LA Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Pi completing our requirements of one professional development meeting and one service event per semester until graduating are allowed to wear the adornment.

White and orange stole (goes around front of neck) with our insignia (the Bent) on the front.

Participation in the LSU Tiger Marching Band program reflects an above-and-beyond commitment to Louisiana State University and the State of Louisiana; students in the program honor the musical traditions of the Old War Skule and simultaneously serve as contemporary goodwill ambassadors on national and international stages. For graduating seniors with multiple years of service in the organization, the LSU Department of Bands offers this regalia in recognition of their distinctive contributions to our institution and state.

This recognition is represented through a satin fabric stole in gold, with "The Golden Band From Tigerland" mark on one side, representing the modern organization, and the classic LSU diamond iconography on the other, paying tribute to the band's historic pedigree.

Gold stole featuring Tiger Band name and LSU.

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