Regalia
Regalia is managed and distributed by the LSU Health Sciences New Orleans Bookstore. Information about Spring 2026 regalia will be announced.
Academic Hood Colors
School of Allied HealthGold |
School of DentistryLilac |
School of Graduate StudiesDark Blue |
School of MedicineGreen |
School of NursingApricot |
School of Public HealthSalmon |
Academic Hood Colors
School of Allied HealthGold |
School of DentistryLilac |
School of Graduate StudiesDark Blue |
School of MedicineGreen |
School of NursingApricot |
School of Public HealthSalmon |
Academic Hood Colors for Dual Degrees
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MD/PhD Graduates when awarded their PhD Will wear the Graduate Studies (LSUHSC PhD) gown & hood when awarded their PhD. |
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MD/PhD Graduates when awarded their MD Will wear the Graduate Studies (LSUHSC PhD) gown & Medicine (green) hood or the Medicine (MD) gown and Medicine (green) hood when awarded their MD. |
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MD/MPH Graduates when awarded their MPH Will wear Medicine (green) gowns and hoods. |
Academic Dress - History and Symbolism
The Gown
The flowing black gown, originating from the twelfth century, has become a symbol of the democracy of scholarship, as it conceals any indication of rank or social standing. Gowns with pointed sleeves are designated for associate and bachelor’s degrees, while long, closed sleeves with a slit for the arm are used for master’s degrees. Round, open sleeves indicate a doctor’s degree. The gowns for Associate, Bachelor’s, and master’s degrees have no trimmings. In contrast, the gown for a doctor’s degree is distinguished by velvet facings down the front and three velvet bars across the sleeves, in colors that represent the specific faculty or discipline. Additionally, some institutions incorporate their official colors into the gown or its decorations.
The Cap
In Ancient Rome, freed slaves earned the privilege of wearing a cap, which has since become a symbol of the freedom of scholarship. This cap signifies the responsibility and dignity that scholarship bestows upon its wearer. According to old poetry, the square shape of the academic cap represents a book, though some authorities argue that the mortarboard symbolizes the masons, a privileged guild. The color of the tassel on the cap indicates the wearer’s discipline, with a gold tassel being an option for any doctor’s gown.
The Hood
Heraldically, the hood is an inverted shield with one or more chevrons of a secondary color on the ground of the primary color of the college or university. The color of the face of the hood denotes the discipline represented by the degree; the color of the lining of the hood designates the university or college from which the degree was granted.