
Ferris State University, also known as FSU, is a public university located in Big Rapids, Michigan, with a total enrollment of 14,560 students. The university offers a range of academic programs, including professional doctorate degrees and graduate degrees. When it comes to attire, FSU has specific graduation ceremony requirements, including academic regalia such as caps, gowns, and hoods. Students in the Honors Program may also wear Honors Medallions or cords. Outside of graduation, FSU students and alumni can show their school spirit by wearing the university's colours and official team gear, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic Regalia | Cap, gown, hood, and other adornments |
| Regalia Colors | Vary based on the college and program |
| Regalia Purchase Location | Ferris Outfitters (online and in-store) |
| Regalia Purchase Dates | March 18, 2025 - May 5, 2025 (in-store), March 24, 2025 - April 18, 2025 (online) |
| Regalia Prices | Varies based on the degree, e.g., Doctor of Nursing Practice - $269.99, Michigan College of Optometry Doctorate - $163.99 |
| Honors Regalia | Honors Medallion, cords in Ferris colors |
| Graduation Ceremony Attire | Regalia with the tassel on the right side of the cap |
| University Merchandise | T-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, crewnecks, hoodies, caps, hats, beanies, jackets, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ferris State University students wear caps and gowns at commencement ceremonies
- Students who complete the Honors Program wear an Honors Medallion
- Students can purchase their commencement attire through Ferris Outfitters
- The university sells official team gear, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps
- Ferris State University is the ninth-largest university in Michigan

Ferris State University students wear caps and gowns at commencement ceremonies
The caps and gowns are available for purchase at Ferris Outfitters or their online store during specified periods. The regalia varies in price depending on the degree, such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Michigan College of Optometry Doctorate, or Pharmacy Doctorate. Students earning honours are entitled to receive an honours cord from their college's Commencement Coordinator.
The commencement regalia at Ferris State University symbolises the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievements. The caps and gowns are complemented by tassels, with each college and certain programmes having distinct tassel colours. Undergraduate students commence the ceremony with their tassels on the right side of their caps.
Graduate and doctoral regalia also include a hood, with each college and some programmes assigned specific hood colours. The hood, along with the cap and gown, serves as a visual representation of the student's academic journey and accomplishments. For students who have completed the Honours Program, the wearing of an Honours Medallion or cords in Ferris colours is an additional distinction at the graduation ceremony.
The commencement ceremony is a significant milestone for Ferris State University students, and the traditional academic regalia of caps and gowns adds to the solemnity and celebration of the occasion. It is a rite of passage that marks the transition from student to graduate, honouring the achievements of the past and signalling the possibilities of the future.
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Students who complete the Honors Program wear an Honors Medallion
At Ferris State University, academic regalia—including a cap, gown, and other adornments—is a long-standing tradition. Students who take part in commencement ceremonies must wear the appropriate regalia for which they are eligible. Students who complete the requirements of the Honors Program wear an Honors Medallion at the graduation ceremony. The Medallion is distributed by the Honors Program Office.
The Honors Program at Ferris State University enriches students' education both inside and outside the classroom. It is about getting more out of your college experience by putting more of yourself into it. The program seeks students who perform brilliantly, seek challenges, are committed and independent, and want to take advantage of more opportunities.
Honors students work more closely with their professors, delve more deeply into course material, gain leadership experience, and engage with their communities through cultural events and service. They also benefit from special opportunities to volunteer, study abroad, work with faculty on research projects, and attend cultural events. Additionally, they are eligible for co-sponsored events with the College of Pharmacy to learn about research opportunities and admissions, as well as scholarships.
Students who complete the Honors Program with an Associate degree wear cords in Ferris colors, which are also distributed by the Honors Program Office. The completion of the Honors Program is announced verbally at commencement and printed in the commencement program.
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Students can purchase their commencement attire through Ferris Outfitters
Ferris State University students can purchase their commencement attire through Ferris Outfitters. The store offers a range of academic regalia, including caps, gowns, and other accessories, to celebrate students' academic achievements.
For students, the commencement ceremony is an important milestone, and wearing the appropriate regalia is a long-standing tradition. Ferris Outfitters provides the necessary attire to mark this significant occasion. The specific items required may vary based on the degree being conferred and the college or program of the graduating student.
Graduate and doctoral regalia, for example, include a hood in addition to the standard cap and gown. Each college and certain programs have designated hood colors. Similarly, tassels, which accompany the cap and gown, also come in distinct colors unique to each college or program. Undergraduate students commence the ceremony with their tassels on the right side of their caps.
Honors Program students at Ferris State University wear an Honors Medallion or cords in Ferris colors, depending on their degree level. These items are distributed by the Honors Program Office. The completion of the Honors Program is verbally announced and printed in the commencement program.
Students can visit the Ferris Outfitters store or purchase their commencement attire through the online store during specified periods. The dates for purchasing regalia are typically provided in advance, ensuring students are prepared for their graduation ceremonies.
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The university sells official team gear, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps
Ferris State University (FSU) is a public university in Big Rapids, Michigan. It is the ninth-largest university in the state and offers a wide range of academic programmes, with over 14,500 students enrolled. The university's sports teams, known as the Bulldogs, compete at the NCAA Division II level. To showcase their school spirit, students often wear the university's official team gear, which includes a variety of clothing items and accessories.
For colder days, the university offers a range of sweatshirts, hoodies, and jackets in various styles. From vintage sweatshirts that embody the timeless spirit of the Bulldogs to trendy Cali tees and cosy puffer jackets, there's something for everyone looking to stay warm while displaying their university spirit. The collection includes options for both men and women, ensuring that all members of the Ferris State community can find items that suit their preferences and keep them comfortable during chilly Michigan winters.
In addition to the standard apparel, the university also offers a diverse selection of accessories, such as snapback caps, embroidered fitted hats, beanies, and stickers. These accessories provide individuals with numerous ways to showcase their support for the university. The caps, in particular, have been described as cute and well-made, perfect for casual wardrobe staples that showcase one's Michigan pride. Whether it's through clothing or accessories, the official team gear sold by Ferris State University enables students, alumni, and fans to proudly represent their school and athletic teams.
The official Ferris State University Bulldogs Apparel is available through online retailers like Campus Wardrobe and Hype and Vice. These websites offer a range of trendy and stylish officially licensed apparel, clothing, and accessories. From tailgate tops to bandeau tops and tennis skirts, there's something for everyone looking to showcase their Ferris State spirit in their own unique way. With free shipping and significant savings offered on certain websites, it's easy and affordable to get your hands on the latest athletics and sports merchandise from Ferris State University.
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Ferris State University is the ninth-largest university in Michigan
Ferris State University, also known as FSU, is a public university in Big Rapids, Michigan. It is the ninth-largest university in the state. The university was founded in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School by Woodbridge Nathan Ferris, an educator from Tioga County, New York. Woodbridge later became the governor of Michigan and served in the U.S. Senate. In 1950, FSU joined Michigan's Higher Education System, and despite a fire that destroyed most of the campus that same year, it has since grown to include over 117 buildings on an 880-acre campus.
The university offers a wide range of academic programs through its eight colleges, including two- and four-year degrees as well as graduate and doctoral programs. FSU is the only public university in Michigan established by an individual. It is also unique in offering a multidisciplinary doctorate in community college leadership. The university is home to the Michigan College of Optometry, one of only 16 such colleges in the United States and the only one in Michigan.
In addition to its main campus, Ferris State University has 19 off-campus locations, including Dowagiac, Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Traverse City, and University Center. The main campus has a rural setting, while the satellite locations are in larger, more urban communities. Some programs, such as the Doctor of Pharmacy, are split between locations, with students taking the first two years of study at one campus and the next two years at another.
The university is home to a diverse range of student organizations, including 27 Greek organizations. FSU also has a strong athletic presence, with over 600 student-athletes competing nationally and regionally as the Ferris State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs compete in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in all sports except men's ice hockey, where they are part of the NCAA Division II as well. The men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2018, and the men's ice hockey team won the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II national title in 1994.
At Ferris State University, academic regalia is an important tradition for commencement ceremonies. Students are required to wear the appropriate regalia, including a cap and gown, with specific tassel and hood colours representing their college or program. The university also offers official team gear and apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, to showcase school spirit and pride.
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Frequently asked questions
At Ferris State University, students must wear academic regalia to participate in commencement ceremonies. This includes a cap and gown, and may also include a hood, honours and other adornments.
Each college has specific tassel colours, and some colleges have specific hood colours. Undergraduate students begin the ceremony with their tassels on the right side of their caps.
Ferris State University apparel can be purchased from Campus Wardrobe and Hype and Vice.











































