Page 28 - CCAPS Commencement

Academic Costume History
Academic gowns date back to the 14th century, when they served two functions of nearly equal importance: to indicate the academic rank of the wearer and to keep the scholar warm in the drafty stone halls of academia.
The markings, cut, and colors of modern-day academic costume—cap, gown, and sometimes hood—indicate the academic degree, the field of study, and the institution that granted the degree.
The cap at the University of Minnesota is the same for all academic degrees. The long point of the shell should be worn to the back. Tassels are fastened to the top of the cap and hang on either side “as the wind blows.” Bachelor’s degree gowns are worn by candidates for the Bachelor of Applied Science, Arts, Elected Studies, Fine Arts, and Science degrees. The bachelor’s gown has long, pointed sleeves and is worn closed at the top. Hoods are not worn, but caps are.
The master’s degree gown has long, oblong panels at the sleeve; the colors of the hood, worn down the back, indicate the type of degree earned.
The Latin honors insignia should be worn around the neck. Honors ribbons need not be returned; once awarded, they belong to the graduate.
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