Commencement Etiquette
Bethune-Cookman University seeks to develop graduates who are honorable, democratic citizens capable of making worthwhile contributions to society. The University expects its graduating students to uphold the highest moral and ethical standards set forth by our founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune by practicing self-discipline throughout the graduation activities. Graduating students are still accountable for their behavior.
Academic convocations, which include the Service of Consecration and the Commencement Convocation, are solemn and sacred affairs. The administration expects all attendees to remain until the ceremonies are over.
Conduct During Commencement Week Activities
When students enroll in the University, it is expected that they will learn what is considered acceptable behavior in public gatherings. Graduating students will be expected to adhere to the Bethune-Cookman University Honor Code for Students. Graduating students will be expected to conduct themselves in a decent, respectful and civilized manner during all Commencement week activities. This expectation includes the following:
- Arriving on time for all activities. Students participating in the academic ceremonies should be at each event at the designated time.
- Wearing academic regalia (cap and gown) for the Service of Consecration and the Commencement Ceremony.
- Refraining from disruptive behavior (yelling, walking out, and use of cellular devices).
- Being respectful and attentive to all speakers throughout a program.
Dress Code:
Graduating students will be expected to reflect the image of Bethune-Cookman University and its founder in the academic regalia that is worn during the Service of Consecration and the Commencement Convocation. Administrators, faculty, and staff will follow the same academic dress code.
Female
- Black or dark colored dresses, skirts and blouses
- Black shoes (2 inches are recommended)
- Posts or small hoop earrings
- Full academic regalia (cap, tassel, and gown).
- Undergraduate candidates wear tassels on the right side of the cap until instructed to move the tassel to the left during the ceremony.
- Graduate candidates wear tassels on the left side of the cap and carry the master's hoods on the right arm.
Male
- Black or navy blue slacks
- White dress shirt
- Black or dark colored tie
- Black shoes
- No excessive jewelry
- Full academic regalia (cap, tassel, gown, and master's hood).
- Undergraduate candidates wear tassels on the right side of the cap until instructed to move the tassel to the left during the ceremony.
- Graduate candidates wear tassels on the left side of the cap and carry the master's hoods on the right arm.
Graduation Cap Decorating Procedures and Etiquette
Please take into consideration the following rules when decorating your graduation cap.
- No offensive language, sayings, nicknames, pictures or lyrics on the cap
- No objects such as signs, stuffed animals, bells, flowers, or any 3D object may rest on the cap.
- All decorations must lay flat on the cap.
- Your cap CANNOT make noise. (e.g. bells, horns, etc.)
It is appropriate to put the following on your cap.
- Thank a parent, grandparent, teacher, and friend
- Recognize the University
*The administration will reserve the right to disallow anything that is not considered appropriate for the Commencement ceremony.
