Traditional academic regalia must be worn by all graduating students participating in a commencement ceremony. The regalia of associate degree and certificate candidates is a traditional black gown, mortar board with a black tassel, and approved regalia accessories. Regalia can be ordered online prior to the ceremony and is also available in the COTC bookstore on the Newark campus. We recommend that you purchase these as soon as possible to be assured the bookstore has what you need. Graduation announcements may also be purchased from the COTC bookstore.

Regalia online order form

Online order deadline for Autumn Commencement 2026: Nov. 17 at midnight

A limited supply of gowns, and a very limited supply of caps are available to borrow on a first-come first-served basis for students who are unable to purchase one. To borrow a gown, please send your request, including your height for appropriate sizing, by emailing the student records office at cotcrecords@mail.cotc.edu.

Regalia Accessories

A regalia accessory is any décor or embellishment added to the regalia which may include, but is not limited to, cords, stoles, medallions, pins and patches. Listed below are the only additions to the black cap and gowns permitted during the commencement ceremony. Graduates will be required to remove all unauthorized regalia. You can leave these items in the robing room or with your guests.

• Caps can be decorated in reference to your major. Profane, inflammatory, discriminatory or dangerous imagery or words are not permitted.
• Honors students will be given a gold tassel at commencement check-in. To qualify, a student must have a cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 3.5 or higher.
• High school options graduates (any student who took COTC classes while still in high school, including College Credit Plus) will be given a green and white cord at commencement check-in.
• Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society members may wear their gold PTK stole. No other PTK accessories are permitted during the commencement ceremony. You may pick up your stole from the Office of Student Life located in room 226 of the Warner Center. If you have any questions, please contact student life at 740-364-9578.
• Alpha Delta Nu members may wear the apricot cords received at their pinning ceremony.
• Lambda Nu members may wear the green and maroon cords received at their pinning ceremony.
• Health science technology graduates may wear the pins received at their pinning ceremony.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates may wear approved apricot stoles.
• Diagnostic medical sonography technology graduates may approved blue stoles.
• Veterans and military personnel will be given a red, white and blue cord at commencement check-in.