HOW TO WEAR
Psi Chi Graduation Caps, Robes, and Regalia Carly Breslin Psi Chi Writer/Editorial Intern
Carly at her college graduation from Connecticut College.
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prepared for this big day? Over time, graduation ceremonies have developed specific practices that students may be unfamiliar with. Here is what to expect and how to look your best.
How It All Began
Graduation regalia started in 12th century Europe when clergy would wear “gowns and hoods,” and then students did the same. This seemed to be done to help keep warm in drafty buildings (Strauss, 2017). The outfits eventually became just for graduation, rather than day-to-day schooling. The all-black color became a way to equalize all students. Regardless of background, everyone wore the same thing to graduation ceremonies as a way of showing equality across all students receiving their diplomas and graduating.
Caps and Gowns
In terms of graduation regalia, your school should provide robes and caps. They usually ask for your height and weight and give you a robe according to your provided 1
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Photo Credit: Courtesy of Carly Breslin
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raduation is a very special time, not just for yourself, but for your friends and family. You have done all this work and are finally at the moment where you can reap the rewards and say, “I did it!” Your loved ones feel the same way, because they helped you get to where you are. They supported you through the anxiety, through the exam-related meltdowns, through the gross dining hall food, and maybe even financially through school. This is their moment, just as it is yours, so do them proud and take pride in what you have accomplished. That is what a graduation ceremony is all about; celebrating your accomplishments and making it through some very tough years, especially post pandemic. Graduation is a special privilege. In 2020, many students couldn’t attend an in-person graduation. But with vaccine roll-outs, it seems1 more and more likely that you will enjoy a celebration the class of 2020 only dreamed of, so don’t take this celebration for granted. Are you