Commonly Recognized Guidelines For Wearing Academic Regalia

By Allex Oneil


The history of academic regalia is as rich as the wide range of colors and styles that these graduation essentials have to offer. It's dated back to the early 12th and 13th century in Europe. During these early years academic robes, gowns as well as the other regalia had been obtainable in various styles and color since the majority of these apparel were custom-made. The color, style as well as the fabric were selected by the wearer. These were likewise determinants of the social standing of the user and not entirely a symbol of the degree a person has earned. This has become a tradition through the years. Nevertheless, this regalia has evolved over time. Guidelines have been set to standardize the color, varieties as well as the designs of these graduation apparel. Colleges and universities have set standards on color and style to differentiate the institution from the rest.

Getting familiar with the standardization

With the passage of the Intercollegiate Code, the standardization for academic regalia was made in 1895. The rules were patterned from the 14th century guidelines in Europe. It's stated in the Code that the three levels of academic achievement has to be identified by universities and colleges. These levels consist of the undergraduate, bachelor's, master's and the doctoral degrees. Every university and college hold their very own distinction for the master's and doctoral degrees. The requirements for the academic regalia of the mentioned degrees were recognized by the colleges. They were no longer regulated by the Code. These have become a tradition that every university and college has their own style and color that is particular to the specific degree earned.

The graduating students who have earned a doctorate degree were required by the rules to put on a hood over the doctoral academic regalia. Throughout this time, there were no requirements for the color of the hood or the robe used by graduates. However, in 1986, the color for the Ph.D. was specified to dark blue. This was specified by the American Council on Education which they have clearly stated that the color isn't specific to the Philosophy degree. Thus, the color symbolizes the Ph.D. in general.

With the passing years, the specifications have advanced in design. It has been influenced by the changing times. In fact by 2011 the gowns have already featured some modifications. These improvements have distinguished Ph.D. graduates from graduates of master's or bachelor's degrees. You could see that the trim, sleeve bands and even the particular cut of the sleeves are actually improved.

One of those modifications is the black velvet trim utilized for Ph.D. gowns. As opposed with the master's or bachelor's that have specified colors based on the discipline of study that they've attained. These colors have their very own meaning that stand for the specific degree. As an example, gold or maize happen to be recognized for the College of Agriculture. When it comes to sleeves, the Ph.D. gowns have 3 velvet bands on them. This is very distinctive with this gown since the master's and bachelor's gowns usually do not have this kind of distinction. When it comes to the sleeves, you can also notice a variation among these different types of gowns. Ph.D. gowns have full sleeves. This can be different from the master's and bachelor's gowns which are square-cut and bell-cut, respectively.




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