Hooding Ceremony

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What is a Hooding Ceremony?

Today's academic regalia has its origins in the clerical dress that medieval scholars used for warmth in unheated buildings. This tradition of special academic dress seems to have entered the United States through King's College (now Columbia University) in colonial New York.

The style of the robe often distinguishes the type of degree being conferred. Bachelor's robes have open, pointed sleeves; master's gowns have sleeves that close at the wrist; and the doctoral gown has bell-shaped sleeves, velvet trim down the front, and three velvet strips across the sleeves.

The cap has come to be symbolic of academia. It has evolved from a tufted, square cap worn by medieval laity to a rigid, square academic cap, commonly called a "mortarboard." The velvet tam is commonly worn by doctorate-holders. A tassel is attached to the center of the cap. Tradition dictates that doctoral and master's graduates flick the tassel on the cap from left to right when the degree is conferred.

Even undergraduate students get to wear the robe and cap for their graduation ceremonies. However, graduate degrees confer the right to wear a third piece of apparel.

The hood that forms part of today's graduate-level dress was originally a head covering for bad weather. Later it was dropped to the shoulders in the form of a small cape. Today, the hood is worn draped around the neck and over the shoulders, displayed down the back with the lining exposed.

The hood is considered by some to be the most expressive component of the academic costume. The hood’s length and the width of the velvet trimming signify the degree. The school’s colors appear in the lining, and the color of the velvet trim signifies the scholar’s field.

Your success in the graduate program gives you the privilege of wearing your hood at graduation. Congratulations!
Why does Coggin College have a Hooding Ceremony?

The Coggin College honors MBA, MAcc, GlobalMBA and Ibero-AmericanMBA students with a smaller, more intimate hooding ceremony. Graduates are also encouraged to attend the UNF commencement ceremony.
Will I receive an invitation?

Yes. The Coggin College Dean’s office will send an email invitation approximately 6 weeks prior to the event with a link to an RSVP form. Simply complete each portion of the form and submit.
Who participates?

Coggin College Graduate Students
What if I need to change information on the RSVP?

You may re-open the form and submit changes prior to the RSVP deadline. Or, you may contact the Dean’s office at any time.
904-620-1544

betty.monk@unf.edu
May I bring guests?

Yes, you may bring up to five guests.
Are guests required to pay for parking?

There is no charge for guests to park on the day of the Hooding ceremony/commencement.
What do I wear?

Wear your gown. Carry your cap and hood.
Although the University does not have a dress code, the Coggin College of Business prefers that you are dressed professionally or at least dressed in business casual attire.
For more information, please visit: Commencement FAQ page
What if I do not have a cap and gown?

It is not necessary to have a cap and gown. A loaner hood will be available during the ceremony if needed.
Do my guest need tickets?

Tickets are NOT required for the Hooding Ceremony. Tickets are required for graduation.
Where is the ceremony?

The ceremony will take place in the Student Union Ballroom (Building 58 W, Room 3703).
Who will perform the hooding?

Each graduate is encouraged to select a faculty member to perform the hooding honors. It is the responsibility of the graduate to personally invite the faculty member. If your selection is unavailable or you do not provide a name, a substitute faculty member will be assigned.
When is the ceremony?

Friday, December 7, 2012 @ 12:30 p.m.
How will I know what to do?

You will receive more detailed instructions the week prior to the ceremony.
How long does the ceremony last?

The ceremony lasts about 45 – 60 minutes and is followed by a reception.
Will food be served?

A reception will follow the ceremony and light hors d'oeuvres will be served.