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Three types of black gowns may be distinguished in UAF’s academic procession. Certificate, associate and baccalaureate gowns have long, pointed sleeves. Master’s gowns have oblong sleeves with an arc cut away in the front. Doctoral gowns are faced with velvet and have bell-shaped sleeves with three bars of velvet.

All students are required to wear the appropriate academic regalia, which is a black robe, mortarboard and tassel. Students receiving master’s or doctoral degrees also should wear academic hoods. To celebrate and honor their heritage, ������appNative and other Indigenous degree candidates are welcome to wear or incorporate traditional regalia in graduation attire. Active-duty military and veteran graduates are welcome to wear their dress uniforms instead of the black robe and mortarboard.

UAF’s master’s and doctoral degree candidates will receive their hoods today, signifying they have gone beyond the bachelor’s degree to a higher level of academic achievement. UAF’s colors are blue and gold, and these colors line the inside of each hood. The velvet trim signifies the scholar’s field of study.

The square Oxford cap, or mortarboard, is black and has a long tassel fastened to the middle of the top. You may notice the University of ������appregents and some of the faculty wearing soft beret-style caps, a custom at some colleges.

For undergraduates receiving their first degree, the tassel is customarily worn on the right side and shifted to the left after receiving the diploma. At UAF, a blue and gold tassel is worn by all recipients of certificates and associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Gold tassels are worn by those earning doctoral degrees.

The mortarboard gets its name from its similarity to the small square board used by bricklayers to hold mortar. An academic legend tells of a wise old Greek who dressed his graduating students in mason’s sackcloth robes and mortarboards because, he said, “Their destiny is to build. Some will build cities; some will build lives — perhaps one of them will build an empire; but all will be builders on the solid foundation of knowledge.”

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all of those who attend UAF graduation and commencement activities.  Please adhere to the following procedures for all graduation and commencement activities and events:

Unruly, threatening, or disruptive behavior that may interrupt or prevent others from hearing or participating in the ceremony is prohibited. Attendees and graduates will not be permitted to block entrances, exits or pathways in or around campus or at or within any graduation or commencement venues. Unauthorized entrance to any graduation or commencement venues or restricted areas at such venues is prohibited. Any individuals violating these restrictions will be asked to leave the event and may be prohibited from attending related or future graduation and commencement events.  

Regalia decorated with content that which is obscene, defamatory, harassing, or which threatens or incites lawless conduct are prohibited and may be confiscated.

The following items are prohibited on regalia or in the facility:

• Firearms, knives, weapons or any item deemed hazardous by UAF Police and management personnel
• Incendiary devices (fireworks, smoke bombs, etc.)
• Artificial noisemakers, including fog horns and musical instruments
• Flags, banners, signs, laser pointers and other stationary objects or adornments that may block or disrupt the view of other guests
• Balloons, projectiles, frisbees, inflatables or other similar items which may obscure, disrupt or create a safety hazard
• Illegal drugs
• Alcohol
• Tobacco and smoking products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco
• Open bottles, glass bottles, cans, flasks, thermoses, ice bags and coolers