Academic Dress chart

Background

    The colourful ensemble of gown, hood (worn over the shoulders) and cap or mortarboard worn by graduands and members of the academic procession has deep historical roots. The gown can be traced to medieval times when the first universities were established in Bologna, Italy; Paris, France; and later in England at Oxford and Cambridge during the twelfth century. The hood linings around the shoulders were developed in England. The original function of the hood linings was to keep the wearer warm. The mortarboard caps originated in the seventeenth century when oversized mushroom-shaped hats were worn at Oxford and Cambridge. However, this style of hat became so loose and large that the corners would droop over the face of the wearer. Subsequently, a board was placed inside for support, evolving into the caps we see worn today. By 1770, the tassel was added.

    Most universities and colleges in Canada, including the University of Manitoba, follow the British tradition of academic dress. The gowns, hoods and caps are patterned after the styles of academic dress at Oxford and Cambridge universities. Further to the British tradition, each institution has its own unique code of academic costume. The Canadian tradition embodies diversity among its academic collegiate. 

    The academic dress for the Université de Saint-Boniface, St. Andrew’s College, St. John’s College, St. Paul’s College and University College are identical to that prescribed by the Senate of the University of Manitoba. Graduands who receive a doctoral, master’s or bachelor’s degree, wear a gown with hood and mortarboard cap. Graduands who receive certificates or diplomas wear a bachelor’s gown with no hood. In 2012, the University of Manitoba approved the establishment of academic stoles for diploma programs.  Distinctive stoles for diploma programs are worn over gowns.

    This chart contains the academic dress for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and honorary degrees at the University of Manitoba, as well as the stoles for diploma programs, and the gowns for the Chancellor and the President and Vice-Chancellor.  
 

Description: Black silk robe with gold piping. Embroidered crocuses represent Manitoba and give a sense of place while the white, yellow, black and red represent the four symbolic nations of the medicine wheel. The use of red and orange represents missing Indigenous women and children and the roots symbolize our connections to this institution and one another.

Since 1989, the Indigenous Student Centre has hosted the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow. It started small in the Multi-Purpose Room to becoming an all-day event hosted in Investor’s Group Athletic Centre at Fort Garry Campus. The Powwow honours and commemorates the academic achievement of First Nations, Métis and Inuit post-secondary students from the University of Manitoba and celebrates the work that takes place here. For the 25th event anniversary in 2014, the Indigenous Stole was created to honour past and future Indigenous graduates. The stole was envisioned by alumnus Dene Beaudry [BA/14] who wanted to distinguish and highlight Indigenous graduates. Following consultation with UM Indigenous staff, students and faculty, the Indigenous stole was created.

The day opens with a Pipe Ceremony, followed by a Grand Entry, graduation ceremony, community meal and dancing and entertainment throughout the day. A Grand Entry is a procession of community flags, Indigenous veterans, VIPs from both the campus and wider community who have contributed to the success of the graduates, and of course, the graduates themselves.