The Different Parts of Graduation Regalia Hood

 “Education is not a preparation for life. Education is life itself.” Indeed, this quote is true to some because learning does not end after going to school. Specifically, learning does not end after graduation. Even if others have graduated, it is important in that event that one should know the meaning of his or her graduation regalia. In one’s graduation, symbolic and complete attire is expected when one marches in front of the crowd. Full graduation regalia are composed of a graduation gown, a graduation cap, and of course, a graduation regalia hood.

Usually, the graduation hood is the one that is easily identified regarding the degree reached by the graduate. The hood’s color, the hood’s size and the hood’s design designates the institution and major course as well. The velvet part of the hood which is usually the smoothest one with a dense pile represents the academic degree color. While the satin portion of the hood is the one with a glossy surface which tends to have a higher luster in the overall part of the hood represents the school colors.

The parts of the Graduation Regalia hood are discussed further. In the parts of a hood, the shell part of the robe should match the material of the hood. Also, the shell should be color black even if the robe has an entirely different color. The satin part of the Graduation Regalia hood is called the interior lining. As stated above, the satin part represents the institution on which the degree is given. 

If, for instance, the interior lining has two or more colors, it should have a pattern or a design of equal divisions. The trim or the outer edge of the hood which is put over a person’s head should be made of velvet. As mentioned above, the velvet part is the color of the academic degree. The hood of a graduation regalia masters degree should have a width of 3 inches. In general, the colors of the velvet material or the trim of the hood should not have a combination of colors so as not to create confusion as to the academic field of the degree holder. It should be displayed in a clear and uniform way. Lastly, the length of the hood for the master’s degree should have a length of 3.5 feet. The length of the hood itself would vary based on the academic achievement of the degree holder. For the bachelor’s degree, it should have a length of 3 feet, while the doctorate degree should have a length of 4 feet.

It has become a practice that it is not necessary for the “hooding” to commence during the ceremony for the bachelor’s degree and the doctorate degree. In fact, in some universities, it is practiced that there be a different ceremony where the “hooding” rites will take place, and this is either before or after the graduation program proper. However, because the doctorate degree is the highest form of academic degree one could ever achieve, it is practiced that the “hooding” rites for them will take place on stage and in front of the crowd.