Why is it called a graduation hood?

Asked by: Skye Stehr  |  Last update: December 12, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)

So How Did Everyday Hoods Become Academic Hoods? Many western histories will refer to a medieval monk wearing his cloak with cowl around the head and shoulders. This example is one way of explaining the origins of the graduation hood because Monks were essentially the first scholars or academics of the western world.

Why are graduation hoods called hoods?

The master's hood is a modern interpretation of the hooded robes worn by medieval monks who taught in the early universities. The monks would use their hoods to keep warm in the winters and also to collect alms.

What does a hood mean for graduation?

You have earned your degree and the right to wear the academic hood. The academic hood is a visual representation of your level of academic achievement and the scholastic degree being conferred. This hood has been designed within the guidelines established by the Intercollegiate Bureau Of Academic Costume.

Where did graduation hood come from?

The tradition of caps and gowns dates back to the Middle Ages at Oxford in England when academic buildings were not heated, and students and teachers wore hooded gowns daily to stay warm.

What do the hoods on graduation robes mean?

That velvet edge hood color, sometimes known as Academic Regalia Inter-Collegiate Colors, represents your specific degree or discipline. The satin field and chevron (the hood lining colors) represent your university or college school colors.

How to Properly Wear a Graduation Hood

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Why do some bachelors wear hoods?

Many people wonder why bachelor's degree graduates wear only a cap and gown at graduation as opposed to the hood. The hood is only worn by those completing advanced studies in most schools which is why it is a way to show honor and distinction from the rest of the graduating class.

Why do masters students get hooded?

The Hooding Ceremony is a special recognition ceremony for masters or doctoral degree candidates. During the ceremony, a faculty member places the doctoral hood over the head of the graduate, signifying their success in completing the graduate program.

Do all graduates get a hood?

The Code also states: "It is quite appropriate for the bachelor's gown to be worn without a hood." Many institutions, particularly larger ones, have therefore dispensed with the bachelor's hood at commencement ceremonies altogether, though a graduate is still entitled to wear one once the degree is conferred.

Are graduation hoods only for masters?

There are subtle differences to the regalia worn at graduation. The bachelor's degree recipient wears a plain black gown with a bell sleeve and a red tassel on the cap, or mortar board, and no hood. The master's degree recipient wears a black tassel, a colored hood and a gown that has a visibly odd sleeve.

What is the history of the hooding ceremony?

History of the Hooding Ceremony

The hooding ceremony confers a special recognition upon graduates receiving masters or doctoral degrees. The hooding ceremony originated in European universities in the 11th or 12th century and was introduced to distinguish graduating students as they began their academic careers.

Do bachelor graduates wear hoods?

It is customary in many large institutions for the hood to be dispensed with by those receiving bachelor's degrees. Members of religious orders may suitably wear their customary habits.

What is the difference between a hood and a gown?

The hood is a triangular fold of cloth worn over the back of the gown. The hood is faced with a color that denotes the graduate's field of study. Students who earn academic honors wear adornments, such as cords, ribbons and medallions, as part of their academic regalia.

What is the purpose of the hooding ceremony?

The hooding ceremony is a unique recognition of the achievement of each student who has earned a doctorate or final master's degree. Each doctoral candidate is introduced individually during the ceremony. You will have your hood placed on you in front of the stage on the field.

Why do graduates throw their hats in the air?

Tossing the graduation cap in the air was started by the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912. The graduates would spend two years as midshipmen and had to always wear a designated hat. Once the graduation ended, the midshipman would become officers and would no longer need their old hats.

Where did the graduation gown and hood come from?

The modern gown is derived from the roba worn under the cappa clausa, a garment resembling a long black cape. In early medieval times, all students at the universities were in at least minor orders, and were required to wear the cappa or other clerical dress, and restricted to clothes of black or other dark colour.

Do diploma graduates wear hood?

ATTENDING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Those obtaining a degree must have a gown and hood, and those obtaining a diploma or certificate must have a gown only.

How many hoods can you wear in graduation?

If a person holds more than one academic degree, he or she may wear only one hood at a time. The hood worn should be appropriate to the gown. The traditional rule is that a candidate for a degree should not wear the hood of that degree until it is actually conferred.

Do diploma graduates wear caps?

Higher Certificate and Diploma students do not get capped and are not required to wear caps during graduation ceremonies. Higher Certificate and Diploma Gowns are short-sleeved. Degree and Postgraduate students will be capped, therefore should have a cap for the ceremony.

Why do graduates wear caps?

The mortarboard, better known as the “graduation cap” or “Oxford cap” has been a part of traditional academic attire since the 1800s, though some believe it dates back as early as the 1300s in Europe when university professors, often members of the clergy, would wear long gowns and caps to stay warm while teaching in ...

Why do teachers wear gowns at graduation?

College Commencement is arguably the most important day of the academic calendar. Graduates dress up in caps and gowns, while faculty wears graduation regalia that signifies their academic standing.

What do 3 stripes on a graduation gown mean?

The bachelor's gown is a simple robe that covers the entire body. The master's gown has longer, closed sleeves. The doctoral robe usually is the most elaborate; it is made of velvet, has three stripes on the arms, and includes a hood.

Can you graduate with distinction in a master's degree?

A student may receive the master's degree with distinction by maintaining a 3.885 or higher GPA on all formal master's degree program coursework.

Why do only female graduates wear caps?

However, some research provided the most probable explanation for the restriction: the rule stating that men could not wear the cap indoors necessitated constant carrying, and they became more likely to damage or even lose the cap in the course of their graduation day.

What is the difference between a bachelor's gown and a master's gown?

But there are subtle differences that can help you tell a bachelor's gown from a master's gown. (See illustration below.) Bachelor's gowns have the University seal printed on the left chest. Master's gowns do not have the seal and have a long "tail" on each sleeve.