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Academic dress is believed to have originated
at medieval British universities when those institutions were associated with the
church. The hoods are a carryover from the times when monks wore them either as a
head cover or as a shoulder cape sometimes used to collect alms.
Gowns are usually designed according to the degree held
by the wearer. Bachelor's gowns have long, pointed sleeves; master's gowns have fuller,
closed sleeves with a slit at the arm or wrist. Doctor's robes are often worn open
and have velvet edging down the front and three velvet bars across each sleeve. The
length of the hood and the width of its velvet border indicate the wearer's highest
academic degree.
Colors designate the wearer's college or university
and field of study. The color of the sleeve bars and of the velvet on the hood indicates
the academic field, distinguished as follows: white for arts and letters, light blue
for education, brown for fine arts, pink for music, dark blue for philosophy and
yellow for science. The degree-granting institution is traditionally represented
by the color of the hood's satin lining. Robe color and cap shape may also designate
the college or university.
At Smith's first commencement in 1879, caps
and gowns were considered ill-suited to the pioneer spirit of the college. Over time,
however, traditional academic regalia came into favor. By 1910, at President Burton's
inauguration, the standard for faculty dress was black academic gowns. That tradition
continues today at official college functions: Opening Convocation, Rally Day, Last
Chapel/Ivy Day and Commencement. Some Smith faculty members wear around their necks
the Charis medal, which is awarded to those who have served on the faculty for 25
years or more.
The college Baccalaureate harkens to the medieval
British tradition of awarding each degree recipient (bacca) with laurels (lauri).
One of the college’s oldest traditions, the Smith Baccalaureate is a celebration
of thanksgiving led by seniors and the dean of religious life with a final address
given by the college president. Seniors find the Baccalaureate to be a particularly
meaningful way to begin Commencement Weekend with their friends and classmates.
The Alumnae Parade “evolved gradually
from the custom of alumnae classes to sally forth upon the campus while the ivy procession
was being made up, and extend greetings to the senior class and to each other, and
to do honor to the college, its president, members of the faculty and members of
the various classes.” The first official parade was held in 1909. Although
alumnae now dress uniformly in white, earlier classes had varied, colorful and sometimes
quite elaborate costumes. Colored ribbons now differentiate the reunion classes.
The class of 1905 was the first to carry “placards,” and by 1915 these
signs were a regular feature, “hailed with appreciative applause and laughter
all along the march.”
A Last Chapel service has been part of Commencement
since 1879. Its original format included the daily chapel followed by a special address
by the president to conclude the academic year. Over the years, Last Chapel has at
different times included recognition of retiring faculty members, announcements of
student prizes, gifts to the college made by reunion classes and descriptions of
the goals of the college. It eventually became the “Last Chapel Awards Convocation,” devoted
to recognizing those receiving academic awards, honors and prizes from the college,
the Alumnae Association and The Smith Fund.
Ivy Day has been a Smith tradition for more than a century.
The class of 1884 was the first to plant ivy as part of the ceremonies leading to
its graduation, thus providing the day with its name.
The spot was traditionally marked by carving the class
year into the stone foundation of the nearest building, as can be seen on Seelye
Hall. In recent years, a ceremonial ivy has been planted in honor of the graduating
class.
Another tradition is that of the ivy chain,
carried by the Junior Ushers. The chain, which is actually made of laurel leaves,
is placed on their shoulders. The ushers precede the seniors in the ivy procession.
The tradition of the Diploma Circle at Commencement
can be traced back to 1911. Originally called the “Great Ring” and then
the “Magic Circle,” it finally became known as the “Diploma Circle.” As
graduating seniors at Smith traditionally march in the academic procession by house,
they do not receive their own diploma when they walk across the platform. Following
the Commencement ceremony, seniors march out of the Quadrangle onto the Laura Scales/Franklin
King terrace and form a large ring, several circles deep. Diplomas are passed around
each circle, with graduates leaving the circle as soon as they receive their own
diplomas. Gradually, only one circle remains. Assisted by members of Sophomore Push,
the Diploma Circle takes several minutes before each new alumna has her diploma and
joins her family to celebrate her graduation from Smith. |
