The 2023 UW-Whitewater College Of Business and Economics Master's Hooding Ceremony

Recorded May 12th, 2023.
Timmerman Auditorium, Timothy J. Hyland Hall
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The hooding ceremony is a special ceremony to recognize graduates in a more personal way than is possible at the university's general commencement. During the ceremony, candidates come forward and have their hoods placed over their heads by faculty as their names are read. It is a special part of academic regalia and denotes scholarly and professional achievements.

Academic regalia is believed to have originated in the 12th and 13th centuries when the dress of a scholar, whether student or teacher, would have been that of a cleric. In an early monastery setting, the long gown, head covering, and hood were likely functional garments. The hood that is part of today's academic dress, and elongated scarf, is a symbolic piece of apparel reserved for individuals who have attained academic degrees beyond the bachelor's degree. The master's hood from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is three and one-half feet long. The black fabric is lined with purple and white satin, the official academic colors. Graduates of the College of Business and Economics receive hoods edged in royal blue velvet.