As the faculty and graduates enter, they will be wearing academic regalia. This practice dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries when universities in Europe were first taking shape.
Originally, academic regalia was worn at all times by the faculty and students, but, for practical reasons, it is now worn mainly at college commencements.
The standard academic dress includes a robe, some type of cap (usually a mortarboard) and a hood. A tassel is worn on the cap, and after the degrees are awarded, the students move the tassel from the right to the left to indicate their status as a graduate.
There are several variations of regalia based on student achievements. In addition to the traditional red cap and gown, here’s what you might also see at Commencement:
A yellow stole and tassel means that a student was inducted into PTK, the College’s national honor society. These graduates are recognized for their outstanding academic achievement by earning a minimum GPA of 3.5. Once inducted into PTK, these students maintained a 3.25 GPA and conducted a minimum of three hours of community service each semester.
If a graduate is wearing gold cords over their robe, this means they’re graduating Summa Cum Laude. These are students who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or better.
If a graduate is wearing silver cords over their robe, this means they’re graduating Magna Cum Laude. These are students who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 to 3.89.
If a graduate is wearing white cords over their robe, this means they’re graduating Cum Laude. These are students who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.69.
Red, white, and blue tassels indicate that the gradate is serving in the military or is a veteran.
Today’s bachelor’s degree candidates are wearing hoods with a black shell silk-lined in silver and red, representing the colors of Dunwoody. The graduates’ academic majors are represented by the following colors:
Brown: Applied Management & Leadership or Applied Management & Leadership with MIS Concentration
Maroon: Construction Management
Orange: Industrial Engineering Technology
Purple: Interior Design
Dunwoody also honors alumni who weren’t able to walk during their commencement year by allowing them to participate in current Commencement ceremonies. These alumni are signified by the gray robes and caps.
Dunwoody faculty will be wearing the regalia from their alma mater, donning hoods that feature their institution’s traditional colors.
Find more information on Dunwoody’s 2017 Commencement Ceremony.