Academic Costume One of the most colorful features of the academic procession is the appearance of graduates, faculty, members of the Oregon University System, 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. Gold and silver cords are worn by honors graduates. 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. The tassel on the cap indicates by color the college or school conferring the degree. Bachelor and Tassel Master Degrees Hood Color Liberal Arts and Sciences Arts White Sciences Gold Business Administration Drab Education Light Blue Engineering Orange Fine and Performing Arts Brown Music Pink Social Work Citron Urban and Public Affairs Peacock Blue Public Health Salmon Pink Doctoral Degrees Doctor of Philosophy Doctor of Education Tassel Hood Color Dark Blue Hood Gold Tassel Light Blue Hood Gold Tassel In addition to the cap and gown, candidates for advanced degrees wear the academic hood, the traditional garment signifying high scholarly attainment. The doctoral hood carries the colors of the college or university conferring the degree on the outside and PSU’s colors of green and white on the inside. 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.” The University Seal In 1990, the official seal of Portland State University was redesigned. The front of the circular seal bears the name of the University and a banner stating the motto Doctrina Urbi Serviat (Let Knowledge Serve the City). Behind the banner appears the pattern of a rose taken from medieval imagery, signifying Portland State University’s unique association with the Rose City. The seal was designed by Professor Robert Kasai in collaboration with Professor Linda Parshall, who originated the rose concept, and Professors Rod Diman and John Cooper, who contributed the Latin motto. The name of the University appears in a type style designed specifically for the University by calligrapher Elizabeth Anderson. The image captures the vision of the relationship between Portland State University and the community that surrounds and inspires it. A window lets in the light, and the rose—symbol of unity and hope—reflects our shared future, illuminated by wisdom and understanding. 3
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