UCLA Graduation Honors Cords: A Comprehensive Guide

Graduation from UCLA is a momentous occasion, marked by specific academic attire and the potential for earning honors. This article provides a detailed overview of the graduation attire for different degree levels and the requirements for earning and wearing honor cords, also known as Gold Fourragère, at UCLA.

Academic Regalia at UCLA

The appropriate academic attire varies depending on the degree being conferred. It is crucial to understand the components of each level's regalia to ensure participation in commencement ceremonies. Graduation regalia and accessories will go on sale in February and March. AVOID THE RUSH by placing your orders early. Please reference this quick guide to show you how to wear your academic attire in preparation for the student line up.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Candidate Attire

B.S. degree candidate attire consists of a standard black gown, a cap (mortarboard), and an orange tassel indicating the type of degree. There is no hood associated with the B.S. attire. B.S. candidates wear the tassel on the right side of the cap and will participate in a tassel-turning ceremony when their degrees have been conferred.

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Candidate Attire

M.S. degree candidate attire consists of a black gown, a cap (mortarboard), a golden yellow hood, and a black tassel indicating the level of their degree (M.S.). M.S. candidates wear their tassels on the left side, indicating they have already earned a degree. M.S. candidates also have a hood; the color of the velvet corresponds to the title of the degree (Science) rather than the subject studied (Engineering). Therefore, the color of the facing will be golden yellow, not orange, for the M.S. hood. The hood is worn by graduates receiving a higher degree, specifically for Master of Science or the Doctor of Philosophy. The velvet portion of the hood corresponds to the title of the degree to be awarded (not the subject studied).

Master of Engineering (MEng) and Engineer Degree Candidate Attire

MEng and Engineer degree candidate attire consists of a black gown, a cap (mortarboard), an orange hood, and a black tassel indicating the level of their degree (MEng or ENGR). Candidates wear their tassels on the left side, indicating they have already earned a degree. MEng candidates also have a hood; the color of the velvet corresponds to the title of the degree (Science) rather than the subject studied (Engineering). Therefore, the color of the facing will be orange, not gold, for the hood.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Candidate Attire

Ph.D. degree candidate attire consists of a black gown, cap (mortarboard), a dark blue hood, and a gold tassel indicating the level of their degree (Ph.D.). Ph.D. candidates wear their tassels on the left side, indicating they have already earned a degree. Ph.D. candidates also have a hood; the color of the velvet corresponds to the title of the degree (Doctor of Philosophy) rather than the subject studied (Engineering). Therefore, the color of the facing will be dark blue, not orange, no matter what the field of study for the Ph.D. hood. NOTE: Ph.D. students also have the option to purchase a TAM separately instead of a cap. This is a personal choice by the student. Customized Regalia - Ph.D. students can also order a customized fine regalia where a hood is available to own through Graduation, Etc. However, fine regalia is at least 6 weeks minimum (production time) from when it is ordered, since everything for fine regalia is custom-made. The hood is worn by graduates receiving a higher degree, specifically for Master of Science or the Doctor of Philosophy. The velvet portion of the hood corresponds to the title of the degree to be awarded (not the subject studied).

Understanding Honor Cords (Gold Fourragère)

Honor Cords/Gold Fourragère, made of braided cord and worn over the arm at the left shoulder, signify academic distinction and are awarded to undergraduate students who have attained Latin Honors of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude. Bachelor of Science students eligible for latin honors* will be able to purchase their honor cords from the Graduation, Etc (located in Ackerman A-Level) beginning Monday June 1, 2026 (In-Person ONLY). If you are eligible, make sure you inform Graduation Etc that you are an engineering student so they can check the correct list for your name.

Eligibility for Latin Honors

The College and schools award Latin honors according to overall grade-point average (GPA) at graduation. Honors appear on the official transcript and diploma. Eligible students must have completed at least 90 (98 for the School of Nursing) University of California units for a letter grade. The levels of honors are summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. Latin honors are noted on official transcripts and diplomas. Requirements are subject to yearly change and other eligibility restrictions. Contact the College or school for information.

*If you have not already completed your degree and have officially been awarded latin honors we will use the tentative latin honors eligibility as posted on your Degree Audit Report (DARS). You must have followed the degree audit process. Please run a DARS (via MyUCLA) to verify your tentative eligibility. Please reference this quick guide to show you how to wear the honor cords.

Purchasing and Wearing Honor Cords

Beginning June 3rd, the Graduation Etc. store in Ackerman Union will have a list of those students eligible to buy and thus wear the gold fourragère. Bachelor of Science students eligible for latin honors will be able to purchase their honor cords from the Graduation, Etc (located in Ackerman A-Level) beginning Monday June 1, 2026 (In-Person ONLY).

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Please reference this quick guide to show you how to wear the honor cords. Gold Fourragère /Honor cords, made of braided cord and worn over the arm at the left shoulder, signify academic distinction and are awarded to those undergraduates who have attained Latin Honors of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude.

Other Graduation Attire and Accessories

Sashes which indicates Class of XXXX, UCLA Bruins, or show student organization affiliations are not required. However, many students buy them as keepsakes or additional flare. All additional items available for graduation including special tassels, diploma holders, etc can be found at the UCLA Store page, select Grad Etc tab.

Additional Honors Programs

College Honors

The highest academic recognition the College of Letters and Science confers on its undergraduate students is College Honors, which is awarded to graduating seniors who successfully complete the College Honors program and who have an overall University of California grade-point average of 3.5 or better. The program provides exceptional undergraduate students an opportunity to pursue individual excellence. College Honors is noted on official transcripts and diplomas.

Department Honors

Individual departments and programs in the College offer departmental honors programs. Admission and curricular requirements vary according to the department or program. Consult the departmental adviser about procedures and program requirements. Students who successfully complete the requirements graduate with departmental honors or highest honors.

College Honors Recognition Ceremony

This ceremony is for College Honors and College Scholars students participating in Honors Programs. Entry for graduates is through the Royce Hall West Lobby. Around 7:00 PM, graduates will line up and prepare to walk the stage. Students who have their candidacy approved, but cannot attend the ceremony may pick up their Honors cord at the Honors Program Office (A311 Murphy Hall) the week of Commencement, beginning June 9, during in-person office hours. The MyUCLA ticket window is now closed. For students who requested tickets on the list, your tickets will be sent electronically by the Central Ticket Office (CTO) between Monday, June 1 - Thursday, June 12, 2025.

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Venue and Accessibility

Royce Hall is located in North Campus. Click here to view the Royce Hall Auditorium on the UCLA campus map. For any guests seeking ADA accommodations, please approach Royce Hall via the western portico and speak to usher staff located at the front of the building. Early arrivals will be placed in a priority entry line with one companion and granted priority access to seating.

Bag Checks and Sustainability

Bag checks for guests, graduates, and faculty. Small clutch bag 4.5” x 6/5”, with or without a handle or strap. UCLA encourages guests and graduates to consider sustainable alternatives to traditional and environmentally impactful items such as balloons. Keep it light.

Engineering Student Awards and Recognition

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering offers several awards and recognition opportunities for its students:

Prepare an acceptable speech 3 to 5 minutes in length on a theme related to Commencement/Graduation. Application Process: Submit a letter of application. Harry M.
Awarded to those who most effectively communicate the achievements, research, results or social significance of any aspect of engineering to a student audience, the engineering professions, or the general public. *Nominations by faculty, staff, peers and others are strongly encouraged; however, self-nominations will be considered.
A student(s) *may be selected to perform the National Anthem at the annual UCLA Samueli Commencement Ceremony. Finalists will be required to audition live in front of the selection committee on May 11 or 12, date, time and location TBD. Application Process: Prepare an audition recording and letter of introduction about yourself.
Nominations by faculty, staff and others are strongly encouraged; however, self nominations will be considered. There will be no School-wide nomination process for Outstanding Master of Science and Outstanding Doctor of Philosophy Awards. Russell R.
Eligibility: upper division (Jr./Sr.) undergraduate engineering student in good standing. *Nominations by faculty, staff, peers and others are strongly encouraged; however, self nominations will be considered. Selection will be made by the R.R.

Important Considerations

The UCLA General Catalog is published annually in PDF and HTML formats. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in the UCLA General Catalog. However, all courses, course descriptions, instructor designations, curricular degree requirements, and fees described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice. Consult this Catalog for the most current, officially approved courses and curricula.Other information about UCLA may be found in materials produced by the schools of Arts and Architecture; Dentistry; Education and Information Studies; Engineering and Applied Science; Law; Management; Medicine; Music; Nursing; Public Affairs; Public Health; and Theater, Film, and Television.

Requirements are subject to yearly change and other eligibility restrictions. Contact the College or school for information.

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