Academic Symbolism
Academic Attire
The academic costume has always consisted of three parts: the gown, the hood (Master's and Doctoral degrees only) and the cap. It has traditionally been worn at commencement exercises as a record of the academic achievement of the participants. Its use originated in the Middle Ages, when all undergraduates were required to wear clerical robes similar in style to those of the regular clergy. This type of dress was appropriate since all students were expected to enter the ranks of the clergy. The colors on the robe and tassel represent the status and discipline of the wearer. Some schools, such as Harvard, use a distinctive color for the entire gown. In this country a color system was adopted in 1893 to identify the academic discipline in which the degree was earned.
Cords distinguish those students who have earned Departmental Honors, University Honors, and/or who have graduated from the University’s Honors College. Graduates may wear as many cords as they qualify for. The colors, and the academic achievement they represent, are as follows: white, cum laude; silver, magna cum laude; gold, summa cum laude; purple, University Honors College; and red, Departmental Honors.
The tassels for bachelor’s and master’s degrees are usually black, while the tassels of the doctorate cap are usually gold. Traditionally, tassels are worn on the right side of the degree candidate’s cap; after the degree is granted, the tassel is worn on the left side of the cap.
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Questions and Contacts
Please see the FAQs for additional information.
Office of the Registrar
Application to graduate, degree audit, transcripts and diploma mailing questions.(717) 871-5005
Commencement: Commencement@millersville.edu
Degree Audit: Degree.Audit@millersville.edu
General/Registration: Registrar@millersville.eduGraduate Studies
Master’s and Doctoral Candidate inquiries should be directed to lucie.lehr@millersville.edu or (717) 871-7638.Office of University Events
Ceremony information(717) 871-5926
special.events@millersville.eduTicket Office
Guest Ticket Information(717) 871-7600
Ticket.Sales@millersville.eduUniversity Store
Caps, gowns, honors cords, stoles, class rings, graduation announcements and yard signs.(717) 871-7610
store@ssi.millersville.edu