You are about to graduate from university.You don't have a clue how to put on the academic gown, lie the graduation hood, or place the cap at the right angle.The procedure for putting on your full academic robe depends on what academic degree you are receiving.
Step 1: Under your gown wear a formal dress.
You are expected to wear a formal dress at your graduation.Before you wear your gown, make sure your outfit is appropriate.This could be pressed slacks, dress pants, and a shirt or tie for men.This could be a dress, heels, slacks, blouse, and flats for women.
Step 2: Look at the cut and style of your gown.
The academic level you are graduating with will affect your gown style.The gown style for Associate and Bachelor's degrees are the same.The gown has pointed sleeves and is designed to be closed.The gown will not fall lower than your calf.Associate's gowns can be either black or lighter in color.The style of Master's degree gowns are open at the wrist.The front section of the oblong is square cut in black.Academic protocol allows the gown to be worn open or closed, even though you may be more comfortable wearing it closed.The gowns have three velvet bars on each sleeve and one vertical panel down each side of the gown opening.The velvet bars and panels are usually black, but may be a different color for your degree.The gown can be worn open or closed.Modifications to the traditional design have been adopted by many colleges and universities.Modifications may include a gown color other than black, colored piping around the velvet panels, special trim, and embroidered patches with the degree color on the gown.Harvard University uses a black gown with embroidered patches at the chest level, while Boston University has a red gown.
Step 3: The sleeves are long and you have to slide your arms through them.
Don't slide your arms through the slit on the other side of the gown.The gown should hang off your shoulders and your arms should go through the sleeves.There may be a slit on either side of the gown.Put your arms through the slit.
Step 4: Pull the robe back so it rests on your shoulders.
The nape of your neck is where the back of the garment should be resting.During the ceremony, the robe may slip as you are about to accept your degree.It should be sitting on your shoulders.Lift the gown and pull it forward to make sure it sits properly before you leave the stage.
Step 5: Check the hood's style and cut.
The cut and style of your hood will vary depending on your degree.The Bachelor's hood is three feet long and has a black fabric shell.Oxford Burgon cut hoods are lined on the inside with fabric in the color associated with your discipline or university.The Master's hood is three and a half feet long and has a black fabric shell.The hood is four feet long and has a black fabric shell.It is easier to stay in position when wearing the Master's hood and the Doctoral hood is designed to lie flat against your back.Most hoods have a black shell with velvet trim around your neck, shoulders, and back.
Step 6: The lining of your hood has a certain color.
The color of your discipline will be determined by your institution, even though there are standard colors for each department.The edge of your hood will have a color featured for your discipline.The velvet stripe will be on the back of the hood in the case of a Master's or PhD hood.
Step 7: The hood should be opened.
The hood should point towards the ground.When you open it, it should be all black.The hood will drape over your back.There is a section of the hood on your chest.The opening of the hood is on your shoulders.Some universities put their graduate students on stage.You may not have a hood until the graduation ceremony if you are a Master's or PhD graduate.
Step 8: The hood should be over your head.
The V section should be on your chest.Don't put your arms through the V.The hood should cover your head and chest.
Step 9: The hood should be turned outward at the neck.
Someone may be able to help you with this step.There is a thin line of color around your neck.The colored satin line should be visible at the back of the hood if you turn it outward.Use safety pins to keep the hood in place if it slips or turns inward.
Step 10: The cut and style of your cap are important to note.
A trencher or mortarboard is a style of cap that bachelor's and masters graduates wear.The trencher will be made of black felt with a black square top.There are two points in the front and back of the cap that the square top will sit on.They will wear a bonnet style cap.The bonnet is made of black velvet and has a cord in the color of your institution.
Step 11: Put the trencher on your head.
The trencher should be adjusted so that the small point is at the back of your head.
Step 12: The bonnet needs to be on your head.
Put the bonnet on your head to make it fit.
Step 13: The tassel should be on the right side of your face.
The trencher or bonnet should always have the tassel on the right side.Once you receive your degree, you will change the tassel on the right side to the left side.