The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) graduation gown is a symbol of pride and achievement for students who have completed their undergraduate or graduate studies at the university. The gown is worn during commencement ceremonies and is a traditional symbol of academic success.
History of the PSU Graduation Gown
The first PSU graduates wore black robes with black mortarboards in 1869. In 1902, the university began awarding blue and white hoods to graduates of different colleges. The blue and white colors were chosen to represent the university’s colors, and the hoods were intended to distinguish graduates from different fields of study.
In 1936, the university adopted the current design of the PSU graduation gown. The gown is made of black wool and features a pointed hood and long sleeves. The hood is lined with a different color silk depending on the degree that the graduate has earned. For example, blue silk is used for bachelor’s degrees, white silk is used for master’s degrees, and red silk is used for doctoral degrees.
Today, the PSU graduation gown is an important symbol of the university and its academic traditions. It is worn by graduates at commencement ceremonies and is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that they have put into their studies.
Types of PSU Graduation Gowns
There are three main types of PSU graduation gowns:
- Undergraduate gowns: These gowns are made of black wool and feature a pointed hood. The hood is lined with blue silk for bachelor’s degrees.
- Master’s gowns: These gowns are also made of black wool, but they have a longer hood that is lined with white silk for master’s degrees.
- Doctoral gowns: These gowns are the most elaborate of the three types. They are made of black wool and have a long, pointed hood that is lined with red silk for doctoral degrees.
Colors of the PSU Graduation Hood
The color of the lining of the hood on a PSU graduation gown indicates the degree that the graduate has earned. The following are the different colors of hood linings:
- Bachelor’s degrees: Blue silk
- Master’s degrees: White silk
- Doctoral degrees: Red silk
How to Wear a PSU Graduation Gown
There is a proper way to wear a PSU graduation gown. The following are the steps on how to wear a PSU graduation gown:
- Start by putting on your cap. The tassel should be on the right side of your head.
- Next, put on your gown. The hood should be draped over your shoulders, with the lining of the hood facing out.
- Finally, adjust the tassel on your cap so that it hangs over the left side of your head.
Tips for Wearing a PSU Graduation Gown
Here are a few tips for wearing a PSU graduation gown:
- Make sure your gown is the correct size. It should be loose enough to move around comfortably, but it should not be too loose that it looks sloppy.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be standing for a long period of time during the commencement ceremony, so you want to make sure your feet are comfortable.
- Bring a safety pin or two with you. This will come in handy if you need to adjust the fit of your gown or if you need to pin on any accessories.
Conclusion
The PSU graduation gown is a symbol of pride and achievement. It is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that students have put into their studies. Graduates should wear their gowns with pride and honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about PSU graduation gowns:
- What is the cost of a PSU graduation gown? The cost of a PSU graduation gown varies depending on the type of gown and the material that it is made from. However, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 for a gown.
- Where can I buy a PSU graduation gown? You can buy a PSU graduation gown from the PSU Bookstore or from a number of online retailers.
- What is the proper way to wear a PSU graduation gown? The proper way to wear a PSU graduation gown is to start by putting on your cap. The tassel should be on the right side of your head. Next, put on your gown. The hood should be draped over your shoulders, with the lining of the hood facing out. Finally, adjust the tassel on your cap so that it hangs over the left side of your head.
- What are the different types of PSU graduation gowns? There are three main types of PSU graduation gowns: undergraduate gowns, master’s gowns, and doctoral gowns. Undergraduate gowns are made of black wool and feature a pointed hood. The hood is lined with blue silk for bachelor’s degrees. Master’s gowns are also made of black wool, but they have a longer hood that is lined with white silk for master’s degrees. Doctoral gowns are the most elaborate of the three types. They are made of black wool and have a long, pointed hood that is lined with red silk for doctoral degrees.