ACADEMIC COSTUME The color and pageantry at college commencements reveal the record of academic achievement of individuals participating in the ceremonies. In 1895. the Intercollegiate Commission, a group of leading American educators, drafted a code which served to regulate the design of gowns and hoods indicating various degrees, as well as colors to signify various disciplines. This code has been adopted by most institutions of higher learning in America. The usual color for academic gowns is black although Yale masters and doctors may wear Yale blue, and Harvard doctors of philosophy are authorized to wear Harvard crimson. According to the code, the bachelor's gown worn by Portland State graduating seniors has straight sleeves and is worn closed. The master's gown has long, pointed sleeves with the forearm being seen through a slit at the elbow of the sleeve. The doctor's gown is faced with velvet and velvet stripes are seen on the upper portion of the straight sleeves. Hoods are made of fabric identical with the gown and are lined in the official academic color of the institution conferring the degree. Colored velvet or velveteen binds the hoods and denotes the department of faculty to which the degree pertains. Caps, originally round, are now square mortarboards. The tassel is worn by graduating seniors on the right side of the mortarboard. When graduates have received their diplomas, the tassel is moved to the left side. 4
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz