Academic Ceremonies - Commencement The Academic Costume Academic
regalia worn today in U.S. colleges and universities is a
survivor of the Middle Ages. The University of Vermont was among
the first in this country to experiment with the use of academic
gowns, requiring their wearing at the graduation of 1806. The
experiment was not repeated until mid-century when UVM and other
college began wholeheartedly to use the medieval scholar’s
clothing for ceremonial occasions. The code regulating the
academic costume is administered by an intercollegiate
commission that establishes uniform standards. - BACHELORS’
gowns have closed fronts and long, printed sleeves. - MASTERS’
gowns may be worn open or closed and have oblong sleeves open at
the wrist, the lower portion hanging down with an arc near the
bottom. - DOCTORS’ gowns may be open or closed and have velvet
facings and three velvet bars on the round, open sleeves. The
facing and bars may be of black or o the official colors of the
wearer’s department of learning