Academie Costume One of the most colorful features of the academic procession is the appearance of gradutes, faculty, members of Oregon State System of Higher Education, and guests of the University in full academic costume. The design of the gown, the color of the tassel on the cap, and the pattern, length, and colors of the hood all have long histories and special significance. American universities, unlike those of England and Europe, have adopted a standard code of academic costume. According to the code, the bachelor’s gown worn by Portland State University 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 sleeves. The doctor’s gown is faced with velvet and has bell-shaped sleeves. Each sleeve carries three bars of velvet, or chevrons. The doctoral hood carries the colors of the college or university conferring the degree (white and green for Portland State) and the color for the academic area: White — Arts and Letters Drab — Business Administration Light Blue — Education Sage Green — Health and Physical Education Golden Yellow — Science Cream — Social Science Citron — Social Work Cream — Urban Affairs One legend, which deals with the origin of the cap and gown, reveals that a venerable teacher in ancient Greece promised wealthy parents that their sons would be “appropriately dressed’’ when presented at a banquet honoring the completion of their academic studies. However, when the young men entered the banquet hall dressed in simple sackcloth robes and carrying mortar boards, the mark of common workmen, a startled cry arose from the audience. “Let me explain,’’ said the teacher as he raised his hands for silence. “Your sons are dressed in clothing of the mason, for their destiny is to build. Some will build cities, some will build lives — perhaps one of them may even build an empire. But all will be builders on the solid foundation of knowledge.” Portland State University Portland State University is the major higher educational center for the Portland metropolitan area. A degree-granting institution since 1955, the University serves nearly 17,000 students, including about 4,700 graduate students. The faculty, which numbers more than 500 full-time and several hundred part-time members, is distinguished by its commitment to PSU and community affairs. Portland State’s students are a cultural mix, with widely varying viewpoints and backgrounds. Many combine their educations with jobs while attending the University full or part time. Flexibility in programs, scheduling, and credit options makes it possible for students to arrange studies to make the most of their time and experience. The great majority of PSU students are Oregonians, but 40 other states and 60 foreign countries are also represented. The student population also reflects the enrollment of many older students — 75 percent are in the 22-and-older age group; more than half are 25 years or older; and 13 percent are 35 or older. Bachelor’s degrees are available in a variety of fields from the academic colleges and professional schools. Specialist certificate programs, preprofessional programs, and secondary education programs supplement major studies. Among special programs are the University Scholars’ Program, Institute for Policy Studies, and the Educational Opportunity Program. Portland State University also offers master’s degrees in a number of fields and five doctoral programs. The only School of Social Work in Oregon is located at Portland State. The University includes eight academic units: College of Arts and Letters, S. John Trudeau, Dean; College of Science, Gary L. Gard, Acting Dean; College of Social Science, George C. Hoffmann, Dean; School of Business Administration, Donald D. Parker, Dean; School of Education, Harold Jorgensen, Acting Dean; School of Health and Physical Education, Jack S. Schendel, Dean; School of Social Work, Bernard Ross, Dean; School of Urban Affairs, Nohad A. Toulan, Dean. 4
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz