By Kevin Pilar, Current Student Communications
Graduation season is here, and as you celebrate your accomplishments and prepare to cross the stage, you’ll be sporting a special outfit: your academic regalia. Sure, it may not be your usual go-to fashion statement, but this traditional attire has a long history and a special meaning.
When worn correctly, it’ll look sharp in those photos! So, let’s break down what your regalia represents, how it should fit, and some tips to ensure you look and feel your best on your big day.
A global tradition
The academic regalia has been worn for centuries by graduates, faculty and stage party members at universities and colleges around the world. Originally designed to keep scholars warm in drafty lecture halls, today’s regalia serves as a symbol of academic achievement.
At Douglas College, every graduate wears a traditional black gown and a mortar board – the official name for the grad cap. The tassel on your cap is black, and the charm is gold, representing your transition from student to graduate. If you’re receiving a diploma, certificate or advanced certificate, your regalia includes a steel-grey stole. If you’re receiving a bachelor’s degree, post-degree diploma, post-baccalaureate diploma or graduate diploma, you’ll wear a coloured hood that signifies your field of study.
Here are the hood colours by program:
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Criminology – white with gold piping
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology – white with gold piping
- Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care – white with red piping
- Bachelor of Business Administration – light grey
- Bachelor of Health Information Management – apricot
- Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching – palmetto
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – apricot
- Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing – apricot
- Bachelor of Social Work – chamois
- Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation – salmon
- Graduate Diploma – black with silver piping
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma – black with silver piping
- Post-Degree Diploma – black with silver piping
Students who receive graduation distinctions (GPA above 3.67) wear an additional Gold Honour Cord to symbolize their academic achievements.
Indigenous students may also choose to wear an Indigenous stole, a meaningful addition that represents their heritage and identity. The stole for Indigenous graduates features the College’s ceremonial badge embroidered on a red satin sash. This badge, designed by Coast Salish Stó:lō artist Carrielynn Victor, was unveiled during the College’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2020 as an official element of the coat of arms. It includes a raven, fir bough and heart – each with its own significance. The raven, known for its intelligence and curiosity, is closely connected to local Coast Salish Indigenous cultures. The fir boughs represent the Douglas fir, native to the area, while the heart references both Scottish coats of arms associated with the name Douglas and the College’s guiding philosophy: “Do what you love. Be good at it.”
How to wear your regalia
Wearing your regalia correctly not only helps you look your best but also ensures you’re comfortable throughout the ceremony. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Don’t overheat. Graduation gowns are made of thick material, and once you’re inside them, they can get warm fast. To stay comfortable, consider wearing light clothing underneath. Wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable – especially for all the photos you’ll be taking!
- Position your hood or stole correctly. Your hood should drape over your shoulders, with the pointed end hanging evenly at chest level. Stoles should also hang evenly over the shoulders, with the V‑shaped point resting on your back, not the front. After you receive your gown, you’ll head to the pinning room where you can get help adjusting and securing everything before the ceremony.
- Place your cap properly. The pointed tip should be at the front, and the elastic band should sit at the back of your head – there will be instructions under the cap to guide you. Wear it straight, not tilted back, with the cap resting about an inch above your eyebrows. Bobby pins will be available in the gowning rooms to help you get everything in place before the ceremony. If you’re wearing cultural headwear, you are not required to wear the cap, but you will still receive one as part of your regalia.
- Final touches for a polished look. For that picture-perfect graduation moment, keep your gown fully zipped. If you’re wearing a collared shirt, let it peek out evenly over the neckline. Remember to give yourself a quick mirror check before heading into the ceremony.
Need help? We’ve got you covered!
If you need assistance making sure everything is sitting just right, our team of volunteers will be there to help you adjust your gown, cap, hood and any other details to make sure you’re looking sharp for your walk across the stage.
Graduation doesn’t happen very often in a lifetime, and your regalia is a big part of the tradition. Now that you know what everything means and how to wear it properly, you’re all set to cross that stage with confidence.
Congratulations, Douglas College graduates!
Related links
- For more details and event information, visit the Douglas College graduation website.
- Watch our Instagram video on how to wear your regalia.
- Watch our Instagram video on the pre-arrival process.