uw madison doctoral regalia

Decoding UW-Madison Doctoral Regalia: A Guide to Academic Dress

University of Wisconsin-Madison doctoral regalia signifies academic achievement with distinct colors and designs representing the graduate’s field of study and the university itself. The regalia includes a gown, hood, and cap, each carrying specific meaning. Understanding these elements provides insight into the traditions and symbolism of higher education at UW-Madison.

Understanding the Components of the Regalia

The Gown

Doctoral gowns at UW-Madison are typically black, although some institutions may use different colors to represent the university. These gowns feature velvet panels down the front and velvet chevrons on the sleeves. The color of the velvet indicates the academic discipline of the wearer. For instance, dark blue represents philosophy, while green signifies medicine. The UW-Madison gown is distinguished by these traditional characteristics, reflecting the university’s adherence to academic dress conventions.

The Hood

The hood is arguably the most distinctive element of the doctoral regalia. It’s a draped accessory worn over the shoulders, lined with the official colors of UW-Madison: cardinal and white. The velvet trim of the hood, like the gown’s panels, denotes the specific academic field. The length of the hood also indicates the degree level. Doctoral hoods are longer than those worn by master’s degree recipients. The colors and length make the hood a key identifier of a UW-Madison doctoral graduate.

The Cap

The cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a square academic hat. For doctoral graduates, it’s usually made of black velvet. A tassel is affixed to the center of the cap. The tassel color can vary; often it is black, but it can also be gold to signify the attainment of a doctoral degree. At UW-Madison, the tradition surrounding the tassel may involve moving it from one side to the other upon conferral of the degree, symbolizing the graduate’s transition into their new academic status.

Significance of Colors

The colors used in the velvet trim of the gown and hood follow a standardized academic color code. According to the Academic dress in the United States, these colors represent different fields. Some common examples include:

• White: Arts, Letters, Humanities
• Science Gold: Science
• Pink: Music
• Peacock Blue: Public Administration

This system ensures that the regalia accurately reflects the graduate’s area of expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bachelor’s and a doctoral gown?

Doctoral gowns typically have velvet panels and chevrons, whereas bachelor’s gowns are simpler and do not have these features.

What do the colors on the hood represent?

The lining of the hood represents the university colors, while the velvet trim indicates the academic discipline.

Can I customize my doctoral regalia?

Generally, customization is limited to ensure adherence to academic dress codes. However, some minor alterations may be permitted; it’s best to consult the university’s guidelines.

Where can I purchase UW-Madison doctoral regalia?

Doctoral regalia is typically available through the university bookstore or authorized vendors.

Is it mandatory to wear regalia at graduation?

While not always strictly mandatory, wearing regalia is strongly encouraged and considered an integral part of the graduation ceremony.

Summary

UW-Madison doctoral regalia is rich in symbolism and tradition. Each component, from the gown and hood to the cap, contributes to a visual representation of academic achievement and disciplinary expertise. Understanding the significance of these elements enhances appreciation for the traditions of higher education and the accomplishments of doctoral graduates.