Academic regalia is a long gown with a row of buttons. The gown represents the subject of the degree conferred. It is typically worn with a velvet hat with a gold tassel and is usually accompanied by formal or sober clothing. The following article outlines the appropriate occasions for wearing academic regalia. We will also discuss how to choose a suitable tassel and how to wear academic regalia on different occasions.
Academic regalia is a long gown with a row of buttons
The rules about when to wear academic regalia are based on a variety of factors. For example, the length of the gown depends on the degree awarded. Graduates of a Ph.D. program, for example, should wear a gown that is above the knee. For undergraduates, however, the gown should be just below the knee. Suppliers of academic gowns usually produce them in various sizes to suit students of different heights.
Some universities also use a traditional robe that originated in the royal court. The robe has a mesh base with velvet and felt band around the front. The traditional robe is also a favorite of Thai universities, which aspires to Oxford’s style. The robe has two colors, one for bachelors, the other for Masters, and the rector wears a purple hood and garland to honor their graduates.
Represents the subject of the degree
An academic’s ceremonial attire consists of an academic gown or hood. The colors and patterns of the academic regalia depend on the degree awarded and the level of scholarship achieved. The bachelor’s gown is usually simple and plain while the master’s gown features longer sleeves and three stripes on the arms. A doctoral robe is typically more ornate, featuring three stripes on each arm and a hood.
Hoods used in graduation ceremonies are black and velveteen trimmed. Hoods vary in length and width, but the hoods themselves are three to four feet long. Hoods with color trim are typically navy blue or chevron patterns corresponding to the subject studied at the school. The hoods themselves are also trimmed in the subject-related color of the degree. A doctoral hood will have a blue trim, while a Master’s hood will be black.
Usually worn with formal or sober clothing
The origin of academic regalia dates back to the Colonial Colleges, when most students were required to wear a “college habit” at all times. This practice persisted until the eve of the American Civil War, though many students still wear a gown to class. Before that, academic regalia was worn only for special occasions, such as commencement ceremonies. Moreover, these outfits had no standard meaning; they were typically worn to represent the institution.
Depending on the institution and the rank, the academic regalia will vary. A graduation gown will usually contain a hood and hat. First Nations students may wear graduation scarves instead of gowns. These items are usually worn with formal or sober attire. There are many different types of regalia available, so it is important to research and choose the correct style. Most academic regalia companies will have a complete file of approved colors for different institutions.
Typically worn with a velvet hat with a gold tassel
The tassels on a mortarboard are not fixed in position. Some institutions require candidates for a degree to wear the tassel on their right side prior to conferring the degree, and they then shift them to their left side when the degree is conferred. In some institutions, the tassels may also serve as a substitute for individual hooding. Regardless of the style of tassel, academic regalia should be worn with an appropriate degree-related gown.
Academic regalia includes a square mortarboard cap. Graduates only wear the mortarboard at full University commencement; they do not wear it at the College’s hooding ceremony. In addition, a tassel should be worn on the right side of the head until degree conferral. The tassel should also be placed over the left side of the head after conferring the degree.
