Academic regalia is distinctive academic clothing with special significance in academe. It consists of caps, gowns, tassels, and honors cords for graduates. At OWU, graduates with an A.A. or A.S. wear gray gowns, bachelors graduates with a B.A. or B.S. wear black gowns, and graduates with a B.S.N wear white gowns. Caps are worn that match the gowns with tassels attached. Prior to the conferral of the degree tassels are worn on the right and flipped to the left upon receiving the degree. Caps, gowns, and tassels are ordered for you by Founders Bookstore, using information you provide on your Graduation Application. Honors Cords are awarded to graduates who have completed all coursework with the following GPA ranges:

      • Bronze cord for Cum Laude – “with honor”: a cumulative grade point average of 3.50-3.699
      • Siver cord for Magna Cum Laude – “with great honor”: a cumulative grade point average of 3.70-3.899
      • Gold cord for Summa Cum Laude – “with greatest or highest honor”: a cumulative grade point average of 3.90-4.00

Note: Only students whose course work is complete will receive honors cords during commencement exercises.

For more information on academic regalia, visit the following websites: