Ceremony & Regalia Guide

Commencement celebrates the culmination of a student’s education at TWU. Each university has its own symbols and traditions that are part of the commencement experience. Here is some information to help you enjoy TWU’s unique commencement ceremony.

TWU Symbols

The official seal of Texas Woman’s University is used on all formal documents, such as the degrees awarded by the institution. The seal appears on the academic banners for the colleges of the university that adorn the commencement platform. The design of the seal incorporates the star, which represents the State of Texas, and the university motto, Scientia Lumen Vitae, which means “Knowledge Illumines Life.”

TWU's Provost, Dr. Bauer, holds The Mace of the University during the commencement procession.

The mace is carried at all formal university ceremonies, such as commencement. Today, the provost carries the mace down the aisle leading the academic procession. Designed and handmade in 1977 by Alfred E. Green, associate professor of art, the mace is a symbol of the spirit and nature of the university. The mace is a staff of rare vermillion wood topped with a silver sphere banded by ivory. The silver sphere is repeated at the base, and a gold seal of the university is embedded in the shaft.

TWU's Chancellor and President, Dr. Feyten, wears The President's Medallion during the commencement procession.

The medallion worn by the chancellor and president bears the seal of the university on its face and the names of the university’s presidents on the reverse. Encircling the presidents’ names are the four names by which Texas Woman’s University has been known since its founding in 1901. In 2003, Ingrid Psuty, M.F.A., created the medallion and chain of fine silver and burgundy enamel.

TWU Academic Regalia

TWU students participating in commencement wear varied cords and sashes symbolizing their affiliations with honor societies and student organizations. For example, the red, white and blue honor cords worn today by graduating veterans and active military symbolize our recognition of their accomplishments and appreciation for their service.

The edging of velvet on the master’s and doctoral hoods indicates the degree received:

White | Master of Arts (M.A.)
Drab | Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Light Blue | Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
Brown | Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
Kelly Green | Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
Lemon | Master of Library Science (M.L.S.), Master of Music Therapy (M.M.T.)
Salmon | Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Citron | Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Gold | Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), Professional Science Master’s (P.S.M.), Specialist in School Psychology (S.S.P.)
Royal Blue | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Apricot | Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Rhodes Blue | Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.)
Teal | Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Page last updated 3:48 PM, November 7, 2025