Commencement Attire & Regalia Guidelines

To ensure a respectful and celebratory atmosphere for all graduates and their families, the university requests that students adhere to the following guidelines regarding attire for the upcoming Commencement ceremonies.

1. Official Regalia (Cap & Gown)

• Purchasing: All regalia should be purchased through Jostens
• Proper Wear: Gowns are traditionally worn zipped during the processional and while crossing the stage.
• Tassels: The standard black tassel is the official requirement for all regalia. However, students who participated in the Student Giving Challenge are invited to wear the commemorative purple and gold tassel.
• Cap Decorations: Students are welcome to decorate their caps, provided the designs remain appropriate and free of inflammatory language or offensive images.

2. Stoles, Cords, and Leis

• The Cal Lutheran University Stole: The purple and gold university stole is mandatory for all graduates.
• Additional Stoles and Cords: Students may wear stoles or cords purchased through Jostens or those earned through recognized academic and student organizations.
• Honor Cords: These are distributed by the Academic Services Office. Students should check their MyCLU Commencement Module to verify eligibility.
• Leis and Celebratory Items: Flower leis, money leis, candy necklaces, and beads are permitted as appropriate. Please note: Leis featuring bottles with alcohol are strictly prohibited.

3. Student Organization Custom Regalia

Student organizations may design and purchase stoles or cords for their members provided they meet the following university requirements:

• Approval: All custom regalia must be approved by the organization’s faculty or staff advisor.
• Color Restrictions: To maintain the distinction of official university honors, club stoles may not feature a violet-purple base with yellow trim. Similarly, club cords may not be purple and/or gold.

4. Additional Information

• Footwear Advisory: As the ceremony takes place on a turf field, students are advised that walking in high-heeled stilettos may be difficult; block heels or flats are recommended.
• All student must abide by the Security Protocol’s Bag Policy
• Hydration Guidelines: While personal water bottles are permitted in the holding room, graduates are not permitted to bring these bottles to the field with them. Plastic water bottles will be provided in the student holding room and on the field during the ceremony.