Procession Regalia
Convocation ceremonies begin with an Academic Procession of official representatives, faculty and students dressed in academic regalia. This colourful event represents the rich cultural and historical traditions of universities.
Academic regalia
Distinctive academic costume has been worn in universities since their inception some one thousand years ago. Until relatively recently, such costume was worn as a part of the everyday life of university. Indeed, historically, university faculty and students received firm instructions to wear gowns to tutorials, examinations and formal dinners.
The gown, hood, and mortarboard are the basic items of academic costume, and originally had practical functions. The hood, for example, was specifically created to be pulled over the head to provide protection from inclement weather. However, the costume now has a symbolic function, and indicates through its colours, trim and lining, the degree and the university giving the award. Blue and sage, Thompson Rivers University’s official colours, are featured on many of the academic costumes.
Degree regalia
| Bachelor of Arts | California burgundy |
| Bachelor of Business Administration | Cardinal red |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Grey |
| Bachelor of Computing Science | Harvard crimson |
| Bachelor of Design | Dark wine |
| Bachelor of Education | White |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | Regal gold |
| Bachelor of General Studies | White |
| Bachelor of Health Science | Yellow |
| Bachelor of Health Science (Psychiatric Nursing) | Wine |
| Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies | California burgundy and navy blue |
| Bachelor of Journalism | Bone Ivory |
| Bachelor of Music | Pink |
| Bachelor of Natural Resource Science | Emerald green |
| Bachelor of Public Administration | Harvest gold |
| Bachelor of Science | Harvest gold |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Royal blue |
| Bachelor of Social Work | Bishop’s purple |
| Bachelor of Technology | Dark grey |
| Bachelor of Tourism Management | Maritime blue |
| Bachelor of Technology in Trades and Technology Leadership | Dark grey |
| Juris Doctor of Laws Degree | Royal purple |
| Master of Business Administration | Beige velvet border and navy trim |
| Master of Education | Baby blue velvet border and navy trim |
| Master of Music | Pink |
| Master of Science in Environmental Science | Spanish yellow velvet and navy trim |
Certificate and diploma regalia
The V-stole worn by the certificate and diploma graduands reflects the Thompson Rivers University official colours. It is made of pilgrim material in blue and sage.
Cords and stoles
In addition to the degree, certificate and diploma regalia, TRU recognizes the following recipients by the wearing of cords or stoles:
| Valedictorian | Gold stole with black lettering |
| Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Winner | Blue stole with navy lettering |
| Governor-General Medal Winners | White stole with navy lettering |
| TRU Medal Winners | Red stole with navy lettering |
| Post-Baccalaureate Graduates | White cord |
