Academic
Costume
Although optional, academic costume is traditional at the University
of Minnesota. At most college ceremonies, 80 percent or more of
the candidates wear caps and gowns.
Candidates wear dark clothing and dark shoes with academic costume.
Flowers, decorative jewelry, and emblems are not appropriate.
Caps and gowns
Caps are the same for all academic costumes except for doctoral
degrees where a tam may be worn. Wear the cap flat on your head
or parallel to the floor with the long point of the shell to the
back. Tassels may fall on either side. Men remove their caps during
the invocation, the presentation of colors, the national anthem,
and “Hail! Minnesota.”
You should wear the gown appropriate for the degree you are receiving.
See descriptions below.
Bachelor’s Degree Costume
Candidates for bachelor of arts, elected studies, fine arts, and
science degrees; associate in arts degree; and certificates wear
the black bachelor’s gown. It has long, pointed sleeves and
is worn closed at the neck. Hoods are not worn. Caps are worn with
tassels; tassel color indicates college. (See list below.)
Honors ribbons are worn around the neck and are yours to keep. Degree
candidates graduating with honors: check with your college office
to see if the medallions will be awarded at the ceremony or if you
need to pick up honors ribbons in 200 Fraser Hall or 130 Coffey
Hall.
Tassels
- College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences—maize
- College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture—lilac
- College of Biological Sciences—golden yellow
- College of Continuing Education—orange and drab
- School of Dentistry—lilac
- College of Education and Human Development—light blue
- General College—crimson and white
- College of Human Ecology—maize
- Law School—purple
- College of Liberal Arts—white
- Carlson School of Management—maroon and gold
- Medical School—green
- Program of Mortuary Science—green
- College of Natural Resources—maize
- School of Nursing—maroon and gold
- College of Pharmacy—olive
- Physical Therapy Program—teal
- School of Public Health—salmon
- Institute of Technology—orange
- College of Veterinary Medicine—gray
Master’s Degree Costume
Candidates for the master’s degree wear a black gown with
winged sleeves.
Doctoral Degree Costume
Doctor of philosophy, education, and musical arts degree candidates
wear the black doctoral gown. It has long, full sleeves with velvet
crossbars of black or a color matching the hood trim. Mortarboards
are worn with black tassels, tams are worn with gold tassels.
The hood is the most outstanding feature of the American academic
costume. Its length and shape indicate the degree that is granted,
the lining displays the offical colors of the university, and
the velvet trim indicates field of study.
The hood hangs to the back from the neck and may be fastened to
your clothing in front by a cord or elastic band. Make sure that
the velvet facing of the hood is visible under your chin and lies
flat over your shoulders.
Only Ph.D., Ed.D., and D.M.A. candidates are hooded at the ceremony.
Minnesota Centenary Ph.D. Gown
Doctor of philosophy candidates may purchase the Minnesota Centenary
Ph.D. gown, which commemorates the 1988 centennial of the first
Ph.D. granted by the University of Minnesota. This exclusive University
of Minnesota gown is made of maroon fabric with black velvet chevrons
and front panels accented with gold trim.
Where to get your cap and gown
For information about renting or purchasing your cap and gown,
please visit the University
of Minnesota bookstores.
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