All about Graduation

Graduation rites a very important part of any person’s life. It is a time when a person is moving from one stage of his life to the next. It is a transition period full of goodbyes and farewells. It is also a catalyst for new changes. After graduation, a person’s life will never be the same as it used to be.

The graduation ceremony is not only filled with lots of emotion and sentiment. It also signifies intellectual achievement. It shows that a person has received a proper education, and has fulfilled all his responsibilities and obligations as a part of the academic community. Because of this, the graduation is considered a huge milestone. It is something that a person works very hard to achieve, and when he has finally earned the right to be called a graduate, it is something that he can most certainly be proud of.

Graduation indeed holds great meaning for those who are fortunate enough to be a part of it, and those who are related to them as well. It gives such precious memories for all those who are involved. This is why all the things used during the ceremony can be considered as memorabilia, including the gown and cap, and even the hood for graduation. For those who are wondering what to do with these items, there are two main options that they can follow.

Return the items.

The decision of whether or not the cap, gown, and hood for graduation has actually been made even before the ceremony. If the items have just been rented, the graduate has no choice but to return it immediately. It is better to return them as soon as possible because there may be fines when they are returned later than the prescribed fine. Some rental companies charge fines for every day that the items are returned late, and this value may add up into an extremely large amount which can be very difficult to pay. It is also a very bad idea to keep the gown and cap, especially when the rentals have connections to the school. Not returning them may cause the school to withhold important credentials such as the certificate of good moral character and the like.

Keep the items in storage.

If the items have been bought, they are considered to be the graduate’s property and he can choose to do whatever he wants with it. If he so desires, he may keep it for himself as a souvenir of the graduation and his life as a student. The best way to store the clothes is to put them in a special box or plastic case. It is better to make the container airtight and sealed from moisture. Any dampness can cause molds and mildew to form on the clothes. There are also chemicals that can keep these things from developing. Storing the clothes in a container can give them a musty odor. To prevent this from happening, it is better to put a clothing deodorant in the container as well.

Complete Your Academic Regalia in Time for Your Graduation Day

One of the most exciting feelings in the world is graduating from the particular school level that you’re in. Despite the fact that you would have more than half a dozen graduation ceremonies to attend before finishing college, there’s still that sense of achievement that you will feel as a student. This is especially true if you are required to wear an honor stole or cord as a symbol of the academic achievement that you attained.

Ironing Out the Details for Your Academic Regalia

When you were still in preschool, kindergarten and elementary, it is probably still your parents who had to iron out the details about what you’re going to wear for your graduation day. But once you grow a bit older, you can actually take full responsibility of putting together your academic regalia. Here are a few tips on how you can do just that:

1.      Ask your teacher what the requirements are when it comes to the robes for graduation that you need to wear – and whether they are working with a supplier.

The first thing that you need to do is determine which color of a graduation gown it is that you are required to wear. For middle school, elementary and high school students, the hue of the gown is typically based on the colors of your school flag. Your teacher should inform you what color graduates are required to wear. While you’re at it, you can also ask whether they are working with a supplier from whom you can rent the gowns. If they are not working with a supplier, you can check on the local stores in your area or place an order online.

2.      Have your measurements taken.

Whether you are renting or buying your academic ensemble, it needs to be a good fit to your body so have your measurements taken. Depending on your height and your body measurements, there would be a size for the graduation gown that would be a perfect fit for you. For female graduates who are wearing shoes with heels, make adjustments for the length of the gown so that they would not end up being too short once you wear it.

3.      If you are placing an order for the academic robe, cap, tassel and other accessories online, do it with plenty of time to spare prior to your graduation day.

Since your other option is to place an online order for graduation gown, cap and other accessories that you need, make sure to do it in advance. This way, there will still be plenty of time to return and have the items shipped back to you in case there is something wrong with your order.

Other Tips to Remember when Preparing for Your Graduation Day

You should also plan what you are going to wear underneath the graduation gown. The clothes should look smart but still feel comfortable. Wear sensible shoes so that no matter how long the graduation ceremonies last, you would not have tired feet. Celebrate the occasion with family and friends later on. After all, you did work hard as a student to achieve this academic feat – so the day should be celebrated with the most important people in your life. 

Ideal Gifts for Graduating Students

Every student looks forward to graduation day. For them, graduation day means the end of suffering – no more exams, deadlines, projects and terror teachers to deal with. Graduation day also marks a beginning. It means a new chapter in life that they should get over successfully. Make graduation day even more special for your loved one by giving him or her nice gift.

Practical Gift Ideas

Most graduates are happy with any kind of gift they receive for graduation. As they say, it’s the thought that counts! But careful thought is also necessary when choosing gifts for your dear graduate. You can start off by contemplating on the things the graduate might need. After completing high school or college, the graduates may have to leave the house to fulfill their dreams. They would need things like sets of plates, can opener, spoons and forks and other household stuff. Utensils and home items will be deeply appreciated by the graduate. High school graduates who plan to go to college may also need stuff for their dorm. It is a good idea to give sleeping materials and towels as gifts.

 If the graduate is looking forward to joining the work force, get him or her new clothes. Giving corporate clothes is a substantial help as these are usually expensive. Most students don’t have business suits or dresses in their wardrobe. A pair of formal clothing would surely help them get started in building an office attire wardrobe. You may also let the graduate come with you when you shop for clothes so you can share tips and suggestions in putting together corporate attire. Once they work in the office, the graduate will be required to wear corporate clothes every day. They need tips on how to mix and match different pieces to achieve many different looks.

Tips for Budgeted Individuals

If the budget is tight, you may opt to give simpler gifts like personalized shirts or 

graduation diploma covers

. However, keep in mind that there is only one college diploma. Go easy on the design to keep it fresh, simple and formal.

A scrapbook is another creative yet affordable gift idea. You can put together pictures of the graduation student in preschool graduation gowns or simply compile high school memorabilia. Every time the graduate looks into this scrapbook, the fun school days will come flashing back. Your loved one will surely appreciate the time and effort you exerted to complete the scrapbook.

 Business card holders as gifts are not only cheap but functional. They will surely come in handy once the graduate starts working.

Hopefully, these suggestions have given you some ideas on what to give the graduating student. Keep in mind that graduation gifts need not be expensive to be special. By taking the time in thinking about the right gift, you can express how much you value the student’s happiness. Be sure to pick out a gift that is not only interesting for the recipient but useful as well. 

Graduation Caps and Gowns – Traditions from the Around the World

Graduation caps and gowns are traditional clothing worn in commencement exercises. Most schools won’t allow students to attend the ceremony if they are not wearing the right graduation attire. In kindergarten, students are also required to wear preschool graduation gowns for the graduation ceremony. Usually there are no restrictions with the type or color of gown and cap that should be worn in graduation ceremonies. But if you are graduating from college, strict standards must be followed. Standards in cap and gown design and color vary from one country to another. Be sure to inquire about thesecap and gown policies to avoid embarrassment on graduation day. To give you an idea, let us see what sorts of polices are being followed different countries starting with:

Spain

1.      The graduation gown is known as ‘toga’ and it is part of a set of clothing. The toga is usually made of woolen or satin fabric. You can close it using the buttons on its front.

2.      Punetas refer to the embroidery found at the cuffs of the gown. The cuffs should be long and made of white cotton.

3.      To identify academic level or degree, a color mozetta is used

4.      Students should wear a birette to show their main academic degree and standards. The color should go with the school’s official color.

5.      Medals and medallions should be worn by doctors and PhD levels.

New Zealand

1.      Basic design of academic regalia is similar to those worn in the University of Cambridge

2.      Only degree holders get to wear graduation cap and they must wear it throughout the ceremony.

3.      Students getting associate degree should wear a hood, not a cap

4.      The gown of bachelor degree holders features a lining and fur. For Masters and Doctorate degree holders, wear simple graduation gowns – no lining and fur

5.      Doctoral graduations must wear a black or scarlet gown made of silk.

Portugal

1.      The graduation gown in Portugal is called traje

2.      Underneath the gown, students are required wear black bottoms (pants or skits). Students should wear white top and males should accompany it with a black tie.

3.      A long, black overcoat should be worn over the academic regalia

Finland and Sweden

1.      Instead of the traditional mortarboard, students in these countries wear a specific kind of cap called teekkarilakki (Finland) or teknologmossa (Sweden)

2.      The cap should bear monogram logo of the school or university. Same thing is applied for graduating high school students.

3.      If student is graduating with Doctoral degree, he or she must wear a top hat as a graduation cap.

Philippines

1.      Students should wear a ‘sablay’ or sash on their right hand side and should be shifted to the other side after they receive the diploma

2.      The gowns differ in colors, depending on the university’s color

While traditions in wearing graduation cap and gown may differ from one country to another, the symbolism of cap and gown remains the same. It means transition to a higher phase. The graduation gown and cap is just as important as the ceremony. So when you walk up the stage to receive your diploma in custom diploma covers, march with pride and confidence. 

Buying Graduation Gowns and Caps on the Internet

Are you going to march and receive your school diploma any time soon? Do you expect to see yourself wearing cap and gown after a long wait of four years or more? Whether you are a high school graduate or a college graduate, there’s one thing that you need to do for the graduation ceremony. That is to have the best set of graduation regalia that you need to wear for that very special day. If so, buying online is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to get what you need. Here are tips and reminders of what you must do when purchasing graduation regalia online.

1. Know Your Size

Before you search, you must first verify your size by determining the length of your body from neck to legs and your arms for the sleeves. It is vital that you purchase the needed graduation gown according to your size. The graduation cap or hat called as mortarboard has also sizes. You must know the right size of cap for you as well. You do not have to guess the size when ordering the kind of robe and cap because it is possible that it may be too tight or very loose. It will not just make you look weird and funny but also give you an uncomfortable feeling.

2. Check the Styles and Description

When you begin your search, it is advisable that you read the details of what is sold and offered online. Make sure that you get the right style that your school requires. The standard and most basic factors of the graduation regalia include the color and the hood. The hood for graduation must be based on the color which your school or field of specialization requires.

3. Purchase from a Reputable Website

Once you have identified what you need in terms of size, color and style, the graduation regalia to buy must be bought from a reliable source. Since you are purchasing on the Internet, there is a need to be careful so you can avoid scam or fraud. Some websites or stores online that accept credit card payment may not only charge you once for buying a particular item but it’s possible that your credit card information is stored in their system. That may cause you to have additional charges every month which is already considered a scam. You must be aware of this kind of deception if you do not want to lose anything which you do not get something in return. Furthermore, choose one of the most leading websites that sell graduation gowns and caps.

These three things are important to keep in mind whenever you need to buy graduation gowns and caps. In addition to them, the cost and your budget must be also considered. You have to pay for this in a way that you save and spend less money. Since you are going to wear it once, it is very practical that you look for an affordable or a cheaper price of graduation regalia.

Important graduation accessories: graduation tassels

For preschool graduation ceremony, parents need to buy a lot of things for their new graduates. These include preschool graduation caps, gowns, graduation hoods, cords, stoles and graduation tassels. The graduation ceremony is incomplete without the graduation regalia and the accessories accompanying it. As a result, one should know where and how to buy these things without investing too much time and money.

Often college, high school and preschool caps and gowns comprise of some of the most amazing accessories such as tassel, hood, cap and robes and these accessories can produce an amazing look for the overall attire once placed perfectly. Tassel for graduation gown seems to be the most important one in this business. However, it's the cost factor added for such accessory that can bring in more problem for you when you are trying to but such item from the local store.

There are few options that you require to follow when you are trying to save more money on these items. In this regard renting of caps and gowns can bring you more good results. You can even get the doctorate cap and gown on rent. These days, most of the students want to rent cap and gowns from the rental stores available at their college or university campus. Renting is the best option for you when you are trying to save more money on these unique items that you will wear for just one instance. You can even think of buying those from cap and gown for sale.

On the graduation day you will wear such educational attire and after that you will keep it as a retired element at home. This educational attire will either become an antique piece at home or it will be damaged due to less care. Well, this is the fact. If this is the reality, then why you will invest more money while buying caps and gowns from the market? Be practical and work accordingly. Don't invest more money to buy these caps and gowns from the market. Instead of that always choose the renting option through which you can save more money.

You are one of many parents who select to do the homeschooling nowadays. This is doesn't mean that the child can't enjoy the special day of marking completion of the preschool. The parents of the homeschoolers take a great pride and joy in acknowledging the child's accomplishments, as parents of kids schooled in traditional way. You may still have the preschool graduation ceremony for child, though it may take a little more work on your side.

From old schools to the new schools

Yes, this is the theme of this article. From old school to the new school, what has changed?  We talk on graduation exercise and how it has changed with the time.

Today’s graduation exercise differs from those in the past. Now there are graduations from kindergarten, elementary school, high school as well as college. In addition, there are graduations from the military, medical schools and specialized schools as well. For sure each of these graduates will wear graduation cap and gown. The kindergarten graduates do not wear a tassel on their mortar however; the elementary school and high school graduates do wear the graduation tassel. At both the elementary school level and the high school level, if the student achieved a high grade point average or was a member of the Honor Society, they would be awarded the graduation cords.

Comparing with our older times we were not lucky enough to celebrate every small milestone of graduation. At older times the only graduation that was celebrated was that at the college level. That was when the graduating student went from the college level and most always to the university level.

On the graduation day, there is a ceremony sometimes called a commencement exercise. It is at this ceremony that the graduate will receive the diploma. At the beginning of the ceremony, the students walk in a processional dressed in their gowns for graduation and their caps with the graduation tassel. After the speeches are made each individual graduate will be called to the stage to receive his/her diploma. The commencement speech is usually given by an honor student, a teacher or a celebrity and the theme of that speech is usually to advise the graduates what they will encounter in the real world. At older times the commencement ceremonies were not used to be that fancy. There was no formal ceremony arrangements that were there, only the teachers used to congratulate and provide a small advice for encouragement to students.

Tassels and hood forgraduation ceremony is a new invention. Thesetasselsare worn in one position before the graduation commencement and when the student receives the diploma or degree it is moved over to the other side of the cap to signify that the student has graduated. The type of hood that is attached to the gown today shows what degree the student has achieved. These new innovations are so refreshing and I cannot stop myself being jealous that I could not wear them at my time when I graduated 40 years back.

Graduation day preparations

Graduation day is the most memorable day in one’s life. This is the day when all students wear their graduation caps and gowns. Graduation attire carries the sense of success and hence is given utmost respect. The color of the caps and gowns, along with the tam and hood hold unique color signifying the respective degree and field. Here’s a brief guide on what the colors of these academic regalia signify. Every student should be aware of this information before moving further to buy the caps and gowns for their graduation. What is the color of achievement; is it blue, green or purple? Actually, there is no specific color that can represent the expression of accomplishment. In fact, a rainbow of colors can only symbolize it. However, the color of academic robes and graduationhoods certainly represents the field you have excelled in. As you know, every discipline has its own color of academic dress. It is not possible and not even advisable to wear any color at the time of graduation ceremony. Thus, the students have to select the color of the caps and gowns for graduation depending on the degree they have achieved.

Early colleges and academies adopted similar style of the dress as clergy at a time as well as simple black robes that remained standard for many years of the early academia. Obviously, these days, some of the institutions need the students and faculty to wear the robes as uniform, and this attire is normally just worn at the graduation ceremonies. But basic style has not changed much from early days, except inexpensive ceremony just robes are been made from the thinner and the cheaper material since they are not at all worn more than few times not like daily wear robes, which have to be made of sturdier and better looking material.

The cap has a significant role on the educational dress and you have to reverence the significance of the cap. The cap will show you who you are and what are you doing. The design and pattern of your cap will separate you from other students or people and most of the time you will get honor from others by wearing your cap. It will be better if you wear a cap with your gowns all the time you wear the academic dress in any ceremony or occasion.

However, the caps are most important parts of the academic regalia, this especially applicable to the doctoratecap and gown regalia. So, when you are going to have one of the robes you have to elect your robe matching cap otherwise your aim will be failed because robe’s matching cap can increases your robe more attractive that will help you to present with honored complete robe.

How to select graduation gowns for graduation ceremony

A graduation gown has its own importance and students do not wear graduation dresses only while receiving their diploma. It is necessary for every student to wear a beautiful gown above the grad outfit. If you introspect you will find that there are hundreds of gowns that are available within the market in various styles and colors. However, most of the schools and colleges have their own preferences and recommendations.

Black gowns are mostly worn these days. There are many benefits of wearing black gowns over graduation dresses. You can maintain secrecy about what kind of grad attire you are wearing under the gown. After receiving the diploma, you can remove the grad gown and can enjoy with your loved ones wearing stylish graduation outfit.

Selection of the academic regalia depends upon the kind of gown you are wearing. In most of the cases, girls wear long gowns that can cover their knees. You should prefer to wear a long gown if you are wearing a knee-length dress. You may have to face several problems when you wear a gown of bright color such as white or ivory. This type of gown is almost transparent and you will not be able to cover you. Therefore, it is better to choose black gowns that can be worn without any danger. Graduation attires are designed by world’s famous designers. Some of the women prefer to buy these dresses from common shopping sources such as dress shops. On the other hand, many women want to get their graduation dresses to be designed by the experienced designers.

If you have the information about the kind of attire you are expected to wear then things become easier for you. Many schools and colleges recommend a special type of gown for all the students. A wise girl always prefer to observe the length, color and design of a grad gown before going to purchase any kind of graduation outfit. In this way, she will not have to face any consequences. On the contrary side, if you do not pay attention on these important aspects then you may not be able to wear your graduation dress along with gown perfectly.

Once of the grave mistake that has been observed among all the graduates is the carelessness towards the certificates after they get them. Many a times there are cases of damage or lost due to disrespect shown towards perseverance of the diplomas. Hence do not forget to buy covers to protect your diploma once you get them. Remember 

Diploma and cover

for diploma, both are essential.

How to select graduation gowns for graduation ceremony

A graduation gown has its own importance and students do not wear graduation dresses only while receiving their diploma. It is necessary for every student to wear a beautiful gown above the grad outfit. If you introspect you will find that there are hundreds of gowns that are available within the market in various styles and colors. However, most of the schools and colleges have their own preferences and recommendations.

Black gowns are mostly worn these days. There are many benefits of wearing black gowns over graduation dresses. You can maintain secrecy about what kind of grad attire you are wearing under the gown. After receiving the diploma, you can remove the grad gown and can enjoy with your loved ones wearing stylish graduation outfit.

Selection of the academic regalia depends upon the kind of gown you are wearing. In most of the cases, girls wear long gowns that can cover their knees. You should prefer to wear a long gown if you are wearing a knee-length dress. You may have to face several problems when you wear a gown of bright color such as white or ivory. This type of gown is almost transparent and you will not be able to cover you. Therefore, it is better to choose black gowns that can be worn without any danger. Graduation attires are designed by world’s famous designers. Some of the women prefer to buy these dresses from common shopping sources such as dress shops. On the other hand, many women want to get their graduation dresses to be designed by the experienced designers.

If you have the information about the kind of attire you are expected to wear then things become easier for you. Many schools and colleges recommend a special type of gown for all the students. A wise girl always prefer to observe the length, color and design of a grad gown before going to purchase any kind of graduation outfit. In this way, she will not have to face any consequences. On the contrary side, if you do not pay attention on these important aspects then you may not be able to wear your graduation dress along with gown perfectly.

Once of the grave mistake that has been observed among all the graduates is the carelessness towards the certificates after they get them. Many a times there are cases of damage or lost due to disrespect shown towards perseverance of the diplomas. Hence do not forget to buy covers to protect your diploma once you get them. Remember Graduation diplomas for diploma, both are essential.

Why academic regalia are so important

You call them graduation regalia, academic gowns or anything you like; but 

graduation stoles

 are the heart of any graduation ceremony. It won’t be an overstatement if someone says that a graduation ceremony won’t take place without a graduation cap and gown. This is the significance of the attire. In our society, every field has certain dress code that we need to follow. Take any example around you. A policeman wears his uniform when on duty. Doctors and nurses have their special apparels when they are working in the hospitals. People have to wear formal outfits in their offices. Even on the wedding day, brides wear specially designed wedding gowns. If you notice, all these apparels and outfits carry certain norms regarding style, color and size. Similarly, graduation gowns to have certain rules.

The root of these rules and norms lies in the history of the gowns. Each element of clothing, including the cap and gown, has its own significance and can vary dramatically depending on the degree being conferred. European universities often create their own guidelines concerning academic dress. Graduation regalia evolved from the medieval church cloak and hood monastery. Caps and gowns have their origins in medieval Europe. Students attending universities were subject to church law and therefore were expected to conform to the same dress code as members of the clergy: a long cloak or tunic and a hood. Oxford and Cambridge are credited as the first European universities to mandate specific requirements for regalia at university functions. Universities in the United States standardized the color code for students in the late 19th century.

The regalia consist of a gown, 

diploma holders

. The mortarboard is the most common type of graduation cap.  Tams, short for Tam O'Shanters, are worn by recipients of doctoral degrees at some institutions. The most common cap worn in academic dress is the mortar board, also known as the Oxford cap. The name "mortar board" comes from its similarity in appearance to the mason's tool of the same name. The mortar board is always black and made of a material matching the gown. Tassels are attached to the middle of the cap and generally correspond to the subject of study.

Gowns are made from a variety of materials but are almost always black. They differ in cut and the manner worn depending on the degree conferred. Gowns for bachelor's degrees are untrimmed and have pointed sleeves. Gowns worn by master's students are also untrimmed, but the sleeves are square-cut in the rear and have an arc cut away in the front. Doctoral robes are faced with black velvet in the front and with colored velvet along the sleeves. The color of these velvet bars indicates the discipline in which the person has trained.