Where would you wear a mortarboard?

Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head, and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

Who wears mortarboard?

Mortarboard. This is the quintessential graduation cap. Many believe the name is inspired by the board where bricklayers place their mortar. Bachelor degree recipients wear this cap on graduation day, and most mortarboards are black, along with the gown.

Who wears a mortar board?

The academic cap or square, commonly known as the mortarboard, has come to be symbolic of academia. In some universities it can be worn by graduates and undergraduates alike. It is a flat square hat with a tassel suspended from a button in the top center of the board.

Why are mortar boards worn?

Mortarboard caps are thought to have been created in the 15th century, as part of an evolution from a hat type known as a birettas which was used by Catholic clerics and professors. The distinctive square shape of a mortarboard is believed to signify a book, chosen in recognition of scholarly achievements.

Are mortarboards hats or bonnets?

The graduate hat (also known as an academic cap, graduate cap, mortarboard, or trencher) is part of the formal academic attire to be worn by graduating students (graduands) during the graduation ceremony.

How to wear your graduation gown and mortarboard

Why do graduates wear mortar board hats?

So why do people wear long black robes and mortarboard hats for graduation ceremonies? The tradition of caps and gowns dates back to the Middle Ages at Oxford in England when academic buildings were not heated, and students and teachers wore hooded gowns daily to stay warm.

Is mortar board a big deal?

Recognition. Mortar Board members are known on their campuses for their achievements and leadership abilities. They also form meaningful connections with faculty, administrators and other campus leaders.

Why do only female graduates wear caps?

There are a few reasons why only female graduates wear caps. First, it is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Second, caps are seen as a symbol of intelligence and success, and female graduates have worked hard to earn their degrees.

What does the tassel on a graduation cap mean?

Depending on your educational level, you may move the tassel left or right after graduating. The tassel before graduation symbolizes your time as a student. When you move it to the other side, you are confirming your newfound graduate status.

What does a GREY graduation gown mean?

Grey gowns are worn for foundation degree students; black gowns are worn by bachelors students; red gowns are worn by masters students and the PhD students wear a doctoral gown which incorporates all three of the university colours.

What is a PhD hat called?

Academic caps include the mortarboard, velvet tams, and Beefeater. Velvet tams are ordinarily worn by faculty members with doctoral degrees.

What does the mortarboard symbolize?

The origins of the mortarboard can be traced back to the medieval era. Scholars in the 14th and 15th centuries wore similar headgear, which gradually evolved into the iconic cap we recognize today. Its adoption by universities and educational institutions further solidified its status as a symbol of learning.

What is the black graduation hat called?

The square academic cap, graduate cap, cap, mortarboard (because of its similarity in appearance to the mortarboard used by brickmasons to hold mortar) or Oxford cap is an item of academic dress consisting of a horizontal square board fixed upon a skull-cap, with a tassel attached to the centre.

Why do teachers wear hoods at graduation?

Hoods. A graduation hood is a key component of academic regalia that signifies the wearer's degree and discipline through its length, lining, and velvet trim color.

Why do bachelor hoods have fur?

It involves the most educated, therefore more senior, getting to sit nearest the fire – so Doctors of Philosophy (PhDs) need no fur around their hoods to keep them warm, while Bachelors, who sit furthest from the fire, have hoods edged with fur.

Why are graduates hooded?

Today, hoods are the most expressive component of the academic costume. They serve to communicate the owner's school, degree and field of study through their length and the colors of the lining and binding.

What is a Phd undress?

Each degree has a black gown and hood proper to it. Doctors (those with Oxford DPhils or the higher doctorates of DD, DCL, DM, DLitt, DSc and DMus) also have a scarlet robe worn without a hood at the highest ceremonial occasions; the doctoral black gowns are therefore sometimes called 'undress' gowns.

Is it hard to get into mortar board?

Membership is selective. A candidate must meet all selection criteria by achievement, not potential. Your chapter must gain approval of its candidates from the Mortar Board National Office before tapping them. There are seven steps that every Mortar Board chapter follows to have selection success.

Where does the tassel go on a mortarboard?

Position tassel to the appropriate side

Prior to your ceremony, arrange the tassel so it drapes over the right side of your mortarboard (the side closest to your face) while you're wearing it.

What is the slang for graduation hats?

mortarboard | American Dictionary

a black hat with a square, flat top, worn by some students and teachers on formal school occasions: Following the ceremony, the graduating seniors all threw their mortarboards into the air.

Do you keep your graduation hat?

We always recommend that after certain graduation traditions, such as the throwing of your graduation cap, you retrieve your graduation cap for keepsake. We also always recommend removing your graduation tassel before throwing your cap, so at the very least, you will have a tassel as a keepsake.