Academic regalia of Stanford University

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Academic regalia of Stanford University

The academic regalia of Stanford University is a traditional form of clothing worn by students, faculty, and administrators during formal academic ceremonies such as commencement and convocation. The regalia includes gowns, hoods, and caps, each with specific colors and designs that denote the wearer's academic achievements and affiliations.

History

The tradition of academic regalia at Stanford University dates back to the institution's founding in 1891. The regalia follows the guidelines established by the Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume, which standardizes academic dress in the United States.

Components

Gowns

The gowns worn by Stanford graduates vary depending on the degree being conferred.

• Bachelor's Gown: The bachelor's gown is a simple robe with long, pointed sleeves. It is typically black and worn closed.
• Master's Gown: The master's gown has oblong sleeves that are open at the wrist. It is also black and can be worn open or closed.
• Doctoral Gown: The doctoral gown is more elaborate, featuring velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. The velvet is usually black, but it may also be in the color representing the wearer's field of study.

Hoods

The hood is an important part of the academic regalia, signifying the degree and the institution from which it was awarded.

• Bachelor's Hood: The bachelor's hood is relatively short with a simple design.
• Master's Hood: The master's hood is longer and more elaborate, with a wider velvet trim.
• Doctoral Hood: The doctoral hood is the most elaborate, with a wide velvet trim and a large, colorful lining that represents Stanford University's colors, cardinal red and white.

Caps

The traditional cap worn is the mortarboard, which is a square, flat hat with a tassel. Doctoral graduates may also wear a tam, which is a soft, round cap.

Colors and Symbols

The colors used in Stanford's academic regalia are significant. The primary color is cardinal red, which represents the university. The velvet trim on the hoods and gowns indicates the field of study, such as:

• White for Arts and Humanities
• Golden yellow for Science
• Purple for Law
• Green for Medicine

Ceremonial Use

Academic regalia is worn during several key ceremonies at Stanford University, including:

• Commencement: The graduation ceremony where degrees are conferred.
• Convocation: The formal assembly marking the beginning of the academic year.
• Inauguration: The ceremony for the installation of a new university president.

Related Pages

• Academic regalia
• Commencement
• Convocation
• Stanford University
• Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume