When the time comes to earn a Ph.D. at Stanford University, students look forward to the proud moment of donning the Stanford Ph.D. gown. This iconic academic regalia signifies the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and intellectual growth. But what makes up the Stanford Ph.D. gown, and what are the nuances of wearing it? Let's delve into the details of this prestigious garment.
The Stanford Ph.D. gown is a traditional academic regalia that traces its roots back to the universities of medieval Europe. It is a symbol of academic achievement, worn by graduates during commencement exercises, as well as other academic ceremonies. The gown is not just a piece of clothing; it is a visible testament to the wearer's scholarly pursuits and accomplishments.
The Stanford Ph.D. Gown: A Closer Look
The Stanford Ph.D. gown is typically made of dark academic gowning fabric, often black. It features three key components: the body of the gown, the sleeves, and the hood.
The body of the gown is a long, flowing garment that covers the wearer's regular clothes. It is usually open in the front, with buttons or other fastenings at the neck. The sleeves of the Stanford Ph.D. gown are often elbow-length, although there can be variation depending on the specific style of the gown.
The Stanford Hood
The most distinctive feature of the Stanford Ph.D. gown is the hood. The hood of a Ph.D. gown is meant to represent the degree-holder's field of study. Unlike undergraduate hoods, which are the same color as the university's official color, the Ph.D. hood is colored based on the graduate's field of study.
Stanford University follows the traditional U.S. academic colors for Ph.D. hoods. For example, a Ph.D. in the humanities might feature a hood with a dark blue lining and a velvet border in a hue signifying the specific discipline, such as crimson for English Literature or purple for History. The Stanford Ph.D. gown hood also bears a white satin lining, representing purity and honesty in intellectual pursuits.
Embroidery and Emblems
Beyond the color and fabric, the Stanford Ph.D. gown is often adorned with unique embroidery and emblems that signify the degree-holder's achievements. The gown will bear an embroidered patch or emblem representing Stanford University, typically featuring the university's seal and the words "Stanford University."
Additionally, graduates may choose to add a personal touch, with many opting for custom embroidery that reflects their specific field of study or academic achievements. For instance, a Ph.D. in Computer Science might choose to have a small emblem of a computer chip or circuit board embroidered onto their gown.
Wearing the Stanford Ph.D. Gown: Etiquette and Traditions
Wearing the Stanford Ph.D. gown involves more than just putting on a piece of clothing. There are etiquette guidelines and traditions associated with the academic regalia that help to preserve its dignity and significance.
The Stanford Ph.D. gown is typically worn closed at the front, with the hood draped over the shoulder. The tassel of the hood, which is usually a band of silk in the graduate's field of study color, is often worn on the right side, symbolizing the wearer's right to teach and confer degrees.
The Ph.D. Tassel
One of the most notable features of the Stanford Ph.D. gown is the tassel that hangs from the left side of the mortarboard, or cap. The color of the tassel signifies the wearer's field of study, with different colors representing different disciplines. For example, gold is often used for fields like arts and sciences, while white may represent mathematics or computer science.
Historically, the tassel was a practical tool used to weigh down the mortarboard and keep it in place. Today, it serves a more symbolic purpose, representing the wearer's intellectual pursuits and achievements. It is also a visible sign of a graduate's new academic status, serving as a reminder of their hard-earned Ph.D.
The Stanford University Mortarboard
The mortarboard, or cap, is an essential part of the Stanford Ph.D. gown. It is traditionally worn with the flat part at the front, although some graduates may choose to wear it with the flat part at the back, known as a "Einstein cap." The mortarboard bears an embroidered emblem representing Stanford University.
Wearing the mortarboard is a custom that dates back to the Middle Ages, when European scholars would use their caps to hold notes and manuscripts, or "mнос and trouble," from which the name "mortarboard" originates. Today, the mortarboard is a symbol of academic freedom and pursuit of knowledge, with its tassel serving as a visible representation of the graduate's scholarly pursuits.
In conclusion, the Stanford Ph.D. gown is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of academic achievement and intellectual pursuit. As Stanford graduates don their gowns, they join a long line of scholars who have worn this prestigious regalia, celebrating their hard work, dedication, and the culmination of their Ph.D. journey. As they look to the future, they carry this symbol of achievement with them, a tangible reminder of their success and the intellectual contributions they plan to make to their chosen fields.