Regalia is the ceremonial attire that is worn by graduating students, faculty, and senior administration during Commencement. The cap, gown, and Masters degree hoods date back to medieval times.
Yes, regalia is required at Commencement for all graduates and faculty. Faculty must wear regalia at Awards Convocation as well.
Students can order regalia through beginning Monday, November 24, 2025. Ordering for campus pick up ends Thursday, March 26, 2026, Standard Home Shipping ends Sunday, April 5, 2026, and Expedited Home Shipping ends on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Faculty will receive an email to RSVP for Commencement, which includes details on ordering regalia. Faculty should contact commence@pratt.edu if there are additional questions.
SILVER BRAIDS AND PRATT CIRCLE AWARDS
Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is proud to provide Pratt Circle Awards and Silver Braids to all candidates who graduate with Academic Honors/Distinction. Candidates receiving this award have been notified by the Registrar and will receive their award by mail to the address specified on the graduation application.
GOLD BRAIDS
Gold Braids are awarded to candidates who have made significant contributions to their academic departments and disciplines. These awards are not linked to graduating with honors for a cumulative GPA. Each department independently determines the selection criteria for these awards. Candidates receiving an award have been notified by the Registrar and will receive their award by mail to the address specified on the graduation application.
GREEN BRAIDS
Green Braids are presented to exceptional students who have proved to be outstanding leaders in the advancement of sustainability on the Pratt campus. Candidates receiving an award have been notified by the Registrar and will receive their award by mail to the address specified on the graduation application.
RED BRAIDS
Red Braids are presented to students who have exhibited leadership in Student Affairs for at least one year. Specifically, these students have completed Connections, a leadership training course, and/or:
- Held an officer position in a club, Student Government Association, Student Union Ambassador, Community Service Board, Pratt International Students Association, or Program Board,
- Served as a Resident Advisor (RA),
- Served as an Orientation Leader, or
- Received a Student Affairs Student Leadership Award.
LIGHT BLUE AND WHITE BRAIDS
Light Blue and White Braids are awarded to First-Generation graduates. Pratt considers students to be First-Generation if they do not have a parent who has completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
WHITE BRAIDS
White Braids are awarded to student-athletes who are members of a Pratt varsity athletic team for at least two seasons.
RAINBOW BRAIDS
Rainbow braids may be worn by students who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community and are presented during the Lavender Graduation, prior to Commencement.
The academic disciplines of our faculty and students are signified on their regalia by the following colors:
Arts, Letters: white
Education or Pedagogy: light blue
Engineering: orange
Fine Arts: brown
Architecture: blue violet
Library Science: lemon
Music: pink
Philosophy: dark blue
Public Administration: olive brown
Science: golden yellow
Social Service: citron