Kent State University Fall Commencement 2023 Interactive Program

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Academic Attire

Identification of the hood and robe as academic apparel is believed to have originated at the English universities of Oxford and Cambridge during the 12th and 13th centuries. The hoods are a carry-over from the times when monks, who operated those universities, wore them to protect their shaved heads in winter. The robe is an adaptation of the shoulder cape also worn by those same monks while collecting alms.

Use of the academic robe came to the United States in 1754, with the founding of what is now Columbia University. In 1895, a commission of university officials adopted a universal code of design and color for the academic garb. This code has undergone several revisions in subsequent years, with most recent modifications accepted in 1960.

Styling of the robes varies for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The width of sleeve borders and length of the hood increase with each advanced degree.

In the hoods, the color of the velvet border indicates the type of degree held, while the lining designates the official colors of the institution granting it.

A distinguishing color table for academic attire:

Ambassador Crawford College of Business and EntrepreneurshipDrab

 

College of Aeronautics and EngineeringOrange

 

College of Applied and Technical Studies

AgribusinessMaize

AssociateBlack

EngineeringOrange

Horticulture, ScienceGolden Yellow

Music TechnologyPink

RadiologyMaroon

Technical and Applied ScienceDrab

 

College of Architecture and Environmental DesignBlue Violet

 

College of the Arts

Arts, Fine Arts, ScienceBrown

MusicPink

 

College of Arts and Sciences

ArtsWhite

Fine ArtsBrown

SciencesGolden Yellow

Public AdministrationPeacock Blue

 

College of Communication and Information

Arts, Fine Arts, ScienceCrimson

Library ScienceLemon

 

College of Education, Health and Human ServicesLight Blue

AudiologyGreen

 

College of NursingApricot

 

College of Podiatric MedicineGreen

 

College of Public HealthSalmon

 

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