Graduation Traditions

Academic Dress

The festive pageantry of the academic procession, replete with caps, gowns and hoods has its roots in the academic dress of the 12th century scholars. Black is the basic color of the gown in the United States, although in the past century, some institutions have selected more gala colors. The bachelor's gown is closed in front and has long pointed sleeves. The master's gown may be either open or closed in the front and has sleeves that are square at the bottom. The doctoral gown has an open front faced with velvet strips and has full rounded sleeves also barred with velvet.

The lining of the hood shows the official colors of the college or university where the degree was granted. The yoke of the hood indicates the major field of knowledge. Some common examples are white (Humanities and Social Sciences), dark blue (Philosophy), yellow (Science) and light blue (Education).

Honors Cords

Graduates at many schools are permitted to wear cords, stoles, medals, and pins on their commencement gowns. These typically indicate academic honors such as cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude; students who have completed university honors curriculums, or membership in elite honor societies. At Dakota State University, gold honors cords are presented to students graduating with honors, and silver cords are presented to graduates earning the Center of Excellence distinction.

Presidential Medallion

The tradition of the chief officer of an institution wearing a medallion dates back to a time when a seal was used to mark documents as important. The seal was usually worn around the neck for safekeeping and eventually wearing the seal became a symbol of authority.

The Dakota State University presidential medallion is a three-inch antique gold casting of the official university seal and hangs from a hand-woven ribbon in the university colors of blue and yellow. The ribbon was woven and designed by Connie Herring, an artist from Larchwood, Iowa, and a former Instructor of Art at Dakota State.

University Mace

A mace is a ceremonial staff used to signify authority and was historically carried by guards who protected high-ranking officials. A mace is used by universities to symbolize the institution’s authority to carry out its mission of seeking wisdom and truth.

The Dakota State University mace is made of wood and iron and is forty inches in length. The top contains a wood square with bronze cast university seals on each side. A lamp symbolizing wisdom adorns the top. The mace is carried at official DSU ceremonies such as graduations by the senior faculty member.