Graduate Hooding Ceremony

The hooding ceremony confers a special recognition upon graduates receiving
master’s or doctoral degrees. The hooding ceremony originated in European
universities in the 11th or 12th century and was introduced to distinguish
graduating students as they began their academic careers. Hooded robes,
often required for warmth in unheated medieval libraries, were first used as
a practical uniform for scholars as they studied and produced written works.
However, over time the robes became largely symbolic. Universities then added
colors to the robes to differentiate students by their academic majors, and
the hoods later became detached ornaments, presented to graduates as part
of the commencement ceremony. Hoods are still used today to represent a
commitment to a scholarly life. While modern day undergraduates wear robes
and caps, those with masters or doctorate degrees are presented with hoods
to show their continued pursuit of knowledge. Such hoods are an expression of
tradition and are used to communicate the wearer’s school, degree, and field of
study for the rest of their lives.

The College of STEM hosted its first graduate hooding ceremony in 2025. We are honored to host students, their families and their peers for this momentous occasion.

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