Wearing Robes with Pride: Tips for Doctoral Candidates on Regalia Etiquette

Earning a doctorate is an impressive accomplishment, and wearing the appropriate academic regalia with pride and respect is an important element of the graduation ceremony. The following are practical recommendations and etiquette standards to help PhD candidates present themselves professionally and properly.

1. The Doctoral Gown

Doctoral gowns differ from those worn by undergraduate and master's grads. They normally have velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. These are typically black, however other colleges employ colors reflecting the graduate's subject of study.

How to Wear It:

• Ensure that the gown is clean, ironed, and correctly secured.

• The velvet panels should be positioned flush on the front of the garment.

• The sleeves should hang normally, with the velvet bars facing forth.

• If the gown has a zipper, keep it closed for a professional appearance.

• Avoid excessive accessories that may detract from formal clothes.

2. The Doctoral Hood

The hood is one of the most distinguishing features of doctorate regalia, signifying the graduate's academic subject and alma mater with its lining and trim colors.

How to Wear It:

• Place the hood over your shoulders, velvet trim facing outwards.

• The hood's little pointed end should be in front, close to your neck.

• The bigger, rounder portion should drape down the back.

• Many schools need faculty members or marshals to "hood" doctorate applicants at the ceremony. If this is the case, keep your hood draped over your arm until the right moment.

• If self-hooding, turn the rear of the hood outward to reveal the inner lining (school colors).

• To keep the hood in place, secure its front with a button or pin.

3. The Doctoral Cap or Tam

Doctoral candidates can wear a classic mortarboard or a soft, spherical tam. The tam is more frequent and typically made of velvet.

How to Wear It:

• Place the tam or mortarboard solidly on your head, the front slightly over your brows.

• The mortarboard should be level and not slanted.

• The tassel should begin on the right side and migrate to the left after the degree is granted.

• Tams frequently have a gold tassel, which may be worn on the left from the start.

• To prevent the cap from sliding, secure it with hairpins.

4. Additional Etiquette Tips

• Posture Matters: Stand and walk confidently. Your regalia represents your academic achievements, so wear it with pride.

• Keep It Neat: Make sure all components fit correctly and are not wrinkled.

• Mind Your Movements: Avoid making unnecessary modifications since academic regalia is meant to stay in place when worn appropriately.

• Respect Ceremony Protocols: Follow the directions given by academics or marshals on when and how to move during the ceremony.

By following these rules, doctorate candidates can maintain a professional appearance while still honoring the intellectual traditions connected with their success. Congratulations on your successes!