As you prepare to don your academic regalia and stride across the stage to receive your hard-earned diploma, the graduation hood holds a significant place in this momentous occasion. Symbolizing your academic journey and the culmination of years of dedication, the proper placement of the hood is essential to convey its full meaning and impact.
The graduation hood is a flowing garment, typically made of velvet or silk, that is draped over the shoulders and head. Its color and lining represent the degree you are receiving as well as the institution from which you are graduating. The hood’s shape and size vary depending on the level of degree, whether it’s a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate. As you prepare to adorn yourself with this symbol of academic achievement, follow these steps to ensure its proper placement and create a lasting memory of your graduation day.
First, identify the correct side of the hood. The side with the loop or button should be worn on the right shoulder, while the open end hangs down the back. Align the center of the hood with the back of your neck and secure the loop or button onto the corresponding hook or button on your gown. Drape the open end of the hood over your left shoulder, allowing it to fall gracefully down your back. Adjust the length of the hood so that it reaches the hem of your gown. The graduation hood is not only a tangible representation of your academic accomplishments but also a symbol of the community of scholars you have joined. Wearing it with pride and care honors the tradition and significance of this time-honored academic tradition.
Positioning the Hood
Correctly draping the hood is crucial to maintain the formality and significance of the graduation ceremony. Follow these detailed steps to ensure proper positioning:
- Place the hood flat on the ground: Spread out the hood fully, with the lining facing up. The tail (pointed end) should extend straight behind you.
- Fold the hood over your head: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bring the hood over your head and rest it on your shoulders. Ensure that the cord tassels hang down over your chest.
- Adjust the loop: Locate the loop in the center of the hood’s neckline. Slide the loop over your head, bringing the hood slightly back to rest on your neck.
- Spread the trim: The trim (colored edging) should be visible around your neck. Spread the trim evenly, ensuring that the colors align with your academic discipline.
- Tuck the tail into the gown: Take the pointed end of the hood (the tail) and tuck it into the waistband of your gown. This will secure the hood in place.
| Color | Discipline |
|---|---|
| White | Arts, Humanities, and Education |
| Blue | Medicine, Health Sciences, and Pharmacy |
| Green | Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Physical Education |
| Purple | Law |
| Yellow/Orange | Engineering, Business, and Technology |
Attaching the Hood
The hood is typically draped over the shoulders, with the tassel hanging on the left side. Make sure the hood is positioned correctly and that the tassels are not tangled or caught on any jewelry or clothing.
Before you proceed with attaching the hood, check if the hood has any fasteners, such as buttons, snaps, or velcro. If the hood has buttons, align the buttons on the hood with the corresponding buttonholes on your gown. Close the buttons securely, making sure to double-check that the hood is properly aligned.
If the hood has snaps, locate the snaps on both the hood and the gown. Align the snaps carefully and press them together to secure the hood in place. Make sure the snaps are fully engaged and that the hood is securely attached.
If the hood has velcro, align the velcro strips on the hood with the corresponding strips on the gown. Press the velcro together firmly, ensuring that the hood is securely attached.
Note: If the hood does not have any fasteners, you can use a safety pin to attach it to the gown. Insert the safety pin through the edge of the hood and into the corresponding location on the gown, taking care not to damage the fabric.
Adjusting the Hood Size
Many hoods come with a small slit at the end of the tail section. This slit is often used to adjust the length of the hood. To shorten the hood, slide the tip of the tail through the slit. To lengthen the hood, pull the end of the tail gently through the slit until it reaches the desired length. If your hood doesn’t have a slit, you can still adjust the size by folding the tail under the hood. This will make the hood shorter. To make the hood longer, simply unfold the tail.
Some hoods also have adjustable straps or ties. These can be used to tighten or loosen the hood to achieve a more comfortable fit. To tighten the hood, pull on the straps or ties until the hood is snug. To loosen the hood, simply release the straps or ties.
Additional Tips for Adjusting the Hood Size
Here are some additional tips for adjusting the hood size:
- If the hood is too loose, it may fall off your head. To prevent this, you can pin the hood to your gown or use a bobby pin to secure it in place.
- If the hood is too tight, it may be uncomfortable to wear. To loosen the hood, you can adjust the straps or ties. You can also fold the tail of the hood under to make it shorter.
- If the hood is the wrong color, you can dye it to match your gown. You can also purchase a new hood in the correct color.
- Hoods come in a variety of sizes. To ensure a proper fit, it is important to measure your head circumference before ordering a hood. You can do this by wrapping a measuring tape around your head, just above your eyebrows.
- Once you have measured your head circumference, you can use the following table to determine the correct hood size.
| Head Circumference | Hood Size |
|---|---|
| 20-22 inches | Small |
| 22-24 inches | Medium |
| 24-26 inches | Large |
| 26-28 inches | X-Large |
Crossing the Cords
Once you’ve received your hood, it’s time to cross the cords. This is a simple process that symbolizes the completion of your studies and the transition to a new stage in your life.
- Hold the cords in your left hand, with the tassel hanging down.
- Cross the cords over your right shoulder, bringing the left cord over the right.
- Bring the right cord under the left, and then back over the left.
- Tighten the cords slightly by pulling on both ends, but not too tightly so that they’re uncomfortable. The tassels should now be hanging down on your right side.
The following table provides a visual representation of the steps involved in crossing the cords:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hold the cords in your left hand, with the tassel hanging down. |
| 2 | Cross the cords over your right shoulder, bringing the left cord over the right. |
| 3 | Bring the right cord under the left, and then back over the left. |
| 4 | Tighten the cords slightly by pulling on both ends, but not too tightly so that they’re uncomfortable. The tassels should now be hanging down on your right side. |
Wearing the Mortarboard Cap
The mortarboard cap is a flat, square cap with a tassel that hangs down in the center. It is usually made of black velvet or cloth, and is typically worn by graduates of universities and colleges. To put on a mortarboard cap, follow these steps:
- Place the cap on your head. The front of the cap should be facing forward, and the tassel should be hanging down in the center of your forehead.
- Adjust the cap so that it is snug but not too tight. The cap should not be so loose that it falls off, but it should also not be so tight that it causes discomfort.
- Center the tassel. The tassel should be hanging down in the center of your forehead, just above your eyebrows.
- Fluff the tassel. The tassel should be fluffy and full, so give it a gentle shake to fluff it up.
- The tassel’s significance:
- The color of tassel represent the academic degree and or area of study.
- The tassel should be worn on the right side of the cap for undergraduate degrees.
- For master’s degrees, the tassel should be worn on the left until the hood is placed on, then moved to the right.
- For doctoral degrees, the tassel should be worn in the middle of the cap throughout the entire ceremony.
- During the turning of the tassel, graduates move the tassel from the right side to the left side of the cap to symbolize the completion of their degree.
| Degree | Tassel Color |
|---|---|
| Associate | Black |
| Bachelor’s | Black |
| Master’s | Colors of the school |
| Doctoral | Black with gold bullion trim |
Proper Hood Placement
The hood should be placed over your head, with the velvet side facing out. The neckband should be positioned around your neck, and the hood should hang down your back.
The length of the hood should be adjusted so that it reaches the bottom of your gown. The hood should not be too long or too short.
The hood should be centered on your back. The center of the hood should be aligned with the center of your gown.
The hood should be worn on top of your gown. The hood should not be worn under your gown.
The hood should be worn with the tassel on your right side. The tassel should be attached to the hood at the corner of the velvet side.
The hood should be worn with the lining facing out. The lining of the hood is typically a different color than the velvet side.
The Meaning of Hood Colors
The color of the hood lining indicates the degree that has been earned. The following is a list of the most common hood colors and the degrees that they represent:
| Color | Degree |
|---|---|
| Black | Arts and Sciences |
| Blue | Education |
| Green | Agriculture, Natural Resources, and related fields |
| Orange | Business and Public Administration |
| Purple | Law |
| Red | Theology |
| White | Philosophy |
| Yellow | Science |
Representing Your Degree
The color and shape of your hood indicate the degree you have earned. The table below provides a general overview of hood colors and shapes for different degrees:
| Degree | Hood Color | Hood Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate | Black | Pointed, three-pointed, or four-pointed |
| Master’s Degree | Black | Pointed, but shorter than a doctoral hood |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Black or school color | Pointed |
| Associate’s Degree | School color | Flat, no point |
In addition to the color and shape of the hood, there may also be other embellishments that indicate your specific degree or field of study. For example, some hoods may have velvet trim or tassels that represent a particular honor society or professional organization.
When wearing your hood, it is important to ensure that the color and shape are correct for your degree. You should also make sure that it is properly positioned on your head. The hood should rest on your shoulders and the point of the hood should be centered on your head.
Hood Etiquette
When wearing an academic hood, it’s important to follow proper etiquette. Here’s a guide to help you present yourself respectfully at graduation ceremonies and other formal events:
1. Placement
The hood is worn over the gown and should rest comfortably on the shoulders. The cowl (the part that hangs down the back) should be centered.
2. Bend at the Elbows
While standing, keep your elbows slightly bent to prevent the hood from slipping forward. This position allows for arm movement without disrupting the hood’s placement.
3. Don’t Let It Drag
Make sure the lining of the hood is long enough to cover the hem of your gown. The lining should just touch the floor; avoiding any dragging onto the ground.
4. Keep the Trim Level
The trim (the colored border) of the hood should be even on both sides. If it’s uneven, gently adjust it by pulling on the bottom of the trim.
5. Face the Lining Inward
The lining of the hood should be facing inward toward your face. This ensures that the trim is visible when you’re viewed from the front.
6. Hide the Name
If your name is printed on the lining of the hood, it should be concealed from view by the cowl. Tuck it under the cowl or, if possible, remove the lining entirely.
7. Know Your Colors
The trim color of the hood indicates your degree and the institution that awarded it. Familiarize yourself with the color scheme to ensure proper representation.
8. Additional Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| • Practice | Wear your hood ahead of time to get comfortable with it. |
| • Use a Hook | Attach a hood hook to the top of your gown to prevent slipping. |
| • Consider Alterations | Make adjustments to the hood if necessary, such as shortening the lining or tailoring the cowl. |
| • Check Position Regularly | Throughout the ceremony, discreetly check the positioning of your hood to ensure it remains in place. |
Variations by Institution
The specific way to put on a graduation hood varies slightly depending on the institution. However, the general steps are as follows:
9. Hooding Ceremony
At some institutions, the hooding ceremony is a separate event from the graduation ceremony. In this case, the hood is placed on the graduate’s head by a faculty member or other designated person. The graduate may then be asked to process in a line with other graduates, each wearing their hood.
| Institution | Variations |
|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | The hood is placed around the neck, with the velvet lining facing inward. The tassel is then draped over the left shoulder. |
| Harvard University | The hood is placed around the neck, with the velvet lining facing outward. The tassel is then draped over the right shoulder. |
| Yale University | The hood is placed around the neck, with the velvet lining facing inward. The tassel is then draped over the left shoulder and secured with a pin. |
10. Wearing the Hood
Once the hood has been placed on, it should be worn over the gown for the remainder of the ceremony. The tassel should hang down over the left shoulder. When the graduate is seated, the hood should be draped over the back of the chair.
Honoring Tradition
The graduation hood is a ceremonial garment that has been worn by scholars for centuries. It is a symbol of academic achievement and is often worn at graduation ceremonies. The hood is typically made of velvet or silk and is lined with a contrasting color. The length of the hood varies depending on the degree that has been earned. Bachelor’s degrees have a three-foot hood, master’s degrees have a four-foot hood, and doctoral degrees have a five-foot hood.
The color of the hood also varies depending on the degree that has been earned. Below is a table of the most common hood colors and their corresponding degrees:
| Degree | Hood Color |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Black |
| Bachelor of Science | Royal Blue |
| Master of Arts | Burgundy |
| Master of Science | Light Blue |
| Doctor of Philosophy | Black with Velvet Trim |
In addition to the color and length of the hood, the trim of the hood also varies depending on the degree that has been earned. Bachelor’s degrees have a white trim, master’s degrees have a gold trim, and doctoral degrees have a velvet trim.
The graduation hood is a symbol of academic achievement and should be worn with pride. It is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that it took to earn your degree.
