The 144th Commencement ceremony will feature all kinds of symbols of students’ academic and professional success during their time at ACPHS. While all caps and gowns are black, uniting the class and graduates of the past, different aspects of gowns, caps, and cords hold specific meaning to everyone crossing the stage.
Commencement Ceremonial Attire
Bachelor of Science
Graduates receiving a bachelor’s degree wear a standard black gown with standard sleeves. Their academic hood is trimmed in maroon, black, white and gold, and draped around the neck and over the shoulders. These graduates wear a mortarboard, a standard four-sided cap, complete with a gold tassel and a 2024 charm.
Master of Science
Graduates receiving a master’s degree wear a black gown with longer, closed sleeves. Their academic hood is trimmed in maroon, black, white and gold, and draped around the neck and over the shoulders. These graduates wear a mortarboard, a standard four-sided cap, complete with a gold tassel and a 2024 charm.
Doctorate
Graduates receiving a doctorate wear a more elaborate robe, with velvet striping on the arms. Their academic hood is trimmed in maroon, black, white and olive, and draped around the neck and over the shoulders. Olive is the universal color representing pharmacy on academic hoods. These graduates also don a black, velvet tam with eight sides, including a gold tassel and a 2024 charm.
Cords
Graduates also wear colored cords to indicate their Latin honors status. In recognition of distinguished academic achievement, the College awards graduation honors to undergraduate and doctorate students based on the cumulative grade point average (GPA) calculated from didactic coursework taken by the time of graduation. For doctor of pharmacy students, these awards are based on the cumulative GPA calculated from required professional coursework and professional electives during the first three years of professional training.
- Cum Laude cords -- maroon and bronze -- are awarded to students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 – 3.6.
- Magna Cum Laude cords -- maroon and silver -- are for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 – 3.8.
- Summa Cum Laude cords -- maroon and copper -- are for students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.9 or better.
Phi Lambda Sigma, the international pharmacy leadership society, recognizes the contributions that our pharmacy students make to the College, the community and the health care profession. Members wear green and gold cords.
Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society encourages and recognizes excellence in intellectual achievement and advocates critical inquiry in all aspects of pharmacy. Members wear purple and white cords.
presidential medallion
The medallion worn by the president bears the ACPHS seal and symbolizes the president’s responsibility, dedication and authority to lead the College forward. Its chain includes small plates engraved with the names of the institution’s presidents to honor the history of the institution.
