Graduation Terms Explained

Graduation ceremonies use a range of traditional terms that can be confusing for schools, parents, and students—particularly as customs vary by country. Below are simple explanations commonly used in the United States.

Graduation gowns are the long robes worn during the ceremony. In the U.S., they are typically black for high schools and universities, though some schools use official school colours. Gowns create a uniform, formal look for graduates.

Graduation caps, most often called mortarboards, are the square hats worn with gowns. They include a tassel attached at the center. In many U.S. ceremonies, the tassel is worn on the right side before graduation and moved to the left once diplomas are awarded.

Tassel colors often have meaning. Some schools use a single school color for all graduates, while others use different colors to represent academic disciplines, honors, or degree levels—especially at colleges and universities.

Graduation stoles are satin sashes worn over the shoulders. They may display the school name, graduating year, honor societies, leadership roles, or cultural affiliations. Stoles are widely used from elementary graduations through to university ceremonies and are commonly kept as a souvenir.

Academic hoods are primarily used in U.S. college and university graduations. They indicate the degree earned, field of study, and institution through specific colors and shapes.

Understanding these terms helps families and schools plan ceremonies smoothly and ensures graduates know what each item represents on graduation day.