The regalia worn at commencement and other formal events dates back to medieval European universities. It has remained largely unchanged since the 16th century.
The custom regalia worn by Carolina degree candidates bears the school seal and is
sold exclusively by the University Bookstore in the Russell House. The University
seal, embroidered in garnet, appears on the front of the gown. Senior and regional
campuses should consult their respective bookstores for regalia information.
Regalia
For assistance, please contact the University Bookstore in the Russell House: 803-777-4160, sm240@bncollege.com.
Tassel Colors
Colleges and universities in the United States have largely standardized the design and color appropriate for various degrees. The cap tassel, which reflects the candidate’s major field of study, signifies the following disciplines:
- Accountancy, Business and Commerce, HRSM – Drab
- Arts, Letters and Humanities – White
- Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, and Integrated Information Technology – Golden Yellow
- Education – Light Blue
- Engineering – Orange
- Fine Arts – Brown
- General, Associate – Black
- Journalism – Crimson
- Law – Purple
- Library Science – Lemon
- Medicine – Green
- Music – Pink
- Nursing – Apricot
- Pharmacy – Olive Green
- Philosophy – Dark Blue
- Physical Education – Sage Green
- Physical Therapy – Teal
- Public Health – Salmon Pink
- Public Service – Peacock Blue
- Science – Golden Yellow
- Social Science – Cream
- Social Work – Citron
Honor Cords
Honors may be designated by the wearing of a cord or a stole. The gold braided honor
cord, worn draped from the neck on the front of the gown, designates the wearer as
Summa Cum Laude (institutional GPA of 3.95-4.00), Magna Cum Laude (institutional GPA of 3.75-3.949), and Cum Laude (institutional GPA of 3.50-3.749). A braided garnet, black, and white cord designates Graduation
with Leadership Distinction. Leadership Distinction areas include Community Service,
Diversity and Social Advocacy, Global Learning, Professional and Civic Engagement,
and Research. The honor stole is worn draped from the neck down the front of the gown.
Invitations and Announcements
Order official personalized invitation cards and announcements from Jostens, the representative company for the University of South Carolina. Shop online among packages and individual products that will help you announce your accomplishment in style.