GRADUATION

Introduction

Graduation is a multifaceted academic milestone with deep historical roots, evolving from medieval vocational guilds into the modern ceremonial celebrations seen today. While often used interchangeably with "commencement," the term technically refers to the formal conferral of a degree upon a student who has met all institutional requirements.

Etymological and Historical Foundations

The term "graduation" is derived from the Latin word gradus, meaning "step". This reflects the medieval university structure where education was viewed as a series of progressive steps toward professional mastery. Historically, the first step was the attainment of a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree, which granted the "license to teach" within the universitas, or guild of masters.

Formal ceremonies date back to the 12th century in European institutions such as the University of Bologna and the University of Oxford. These rituals served to legitimize the institution's monopoly on knowledge and certify the graduate's status. Some scholars also point to earlier influences from the Islamic world, noting that institutions like the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco were awarding degrees nearly 200 years before the rise of the first European universities.

Evolution of Academic Regalia

The iconic graduation attire—gowns, hoods, and caps—originated from the daily dress of medieval scholars and clergy.

Gowns are long robes provided essential warmth in the unheated stone halls of early universities. Over time, their design became standardized to reflect specific academic disciplines and degrees. Mortarboards are the square cap, or mortarboard, likely evolved from the biretta, a headpiece worn by Catholic clergy. Its square shape is also sometimes attributed to the boards used by master masons, symbolizing the completion of a "master's" work. Tassels and Hoods are these accessories eventually became indicators of academic honor and field of study. In the United States, the Intercollegiate Code of 1895 established a uniform system for these colors and styles.

Commencement vs. Graduation

In modern usage, "graduation" and "commencement" are frequently conflated, but they represent different milestones: Graduation is the official act of completing degree requirements and having that degree conferred by the registrar. Commencement refers specifically to the ceremony that celebrates this achievement. The word itself, from the Old French commencier, means "to begin," highlighting that the ceremony is not just an end to schooling but the start of a new chapter in the graduate's life.

REFERENCE

Aleteia. (2018, May 23). The Catholic history of the graduate’s cap and gown. https://aleteia.org/2018/05/23/the-catholic-history-of-the-graduates-cap-and-gown/

Azusa Pacific University. (2023, June 6). Commencement vs. graduation: What's the difference? https://www.apu.edu/articles/commencement-vs-graduation-whats-the-difference/

BYU Daily Universe. (2006, April 18). Graduation rites have ancient history. https://universe.byu.edu/2006/04/18/graduation-rites-have-ancient-history/

Graduate Pro. (2025, April 2). The tradition of cap and gown: A journey through history. https://graduate-pro.com/blogs/news/the-tradition-of-cap-and-gown-a-journey-through-history

Isaacs, D. (2017). The graduation ceremony. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 53(10), 931-932. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jpc.13698

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