A Detailed Guide to Doctor of Theology Graduation Regalia and Proper Wear

A Guide to Doctor of Theology Regalia

Earning a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) is an incredible accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated at graduation. As you prepare for this milestone event, an important detail to consider is your commencement regalia and how to wear it properly on your big day.

Regalia signifies your academic achievements and allows others to instantly recognize the degree you have earned. The components that make up Th.D. regalia each have special significance and must be worn in the proper manner to follow academic traditions.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Doctor of Theology regalia, from the cap to the gown and hood. We’ll provide tips on how to assemble your regalia and wear it with confidence as you walk across the graduation stage.

Components of Doctor of Theology Regalia

Doctoral regalia consists of three main pieces:

• Cap
• Gown
• Hood

Optional accessories can include tassels, honor cords, and stoles. Let’s look at each regalia item more closely.

Cap

The cap worn for a Th.D. is a doctoral cap called a tam. It is a flat, square hat with a tassel attached to the center. Unlike the mortarboards used for bachelor's and master's degrees, the tam has no pointed top.

The tassel's color matches the degree being earned. For a Doctor of Theology, the tassel is typically gold representing the field of theology. Some institutions may use scarlet or black tassels instead.

Gown

Doctoral gowns are more ornate than those for undergraduate and master's degrees. They are distinguished by velvet panels running down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve.

The gown itself is usually black, but some schools use gowns in their institutional colors. The velvet panels match the tassel color, so they are gold for a Th.D. gown.

Hood

The hood is worn draped around the neck and shoulders over the gown. Th.D. hoods are made of black material in a full, bell-shaped design.

The hood's trim and lining denote your academic field and university. For theology, the trim is scarlet while the lining features your school's colors.

The hood is kept in place by a hood strip in a complementary color like gold or black. Some hoods may also have a chevron on the lining displaying school colors.

Honor Cords, Tassels, and Stoles

In addition to the cap, gown, and hood, you may choose to wear honor cords, tassels, or stole if you earned special distinctions:

• Honor cords - Denote academic achievement like graduating cum laude.
• Tassels - Worn on the tam and represent academic honors or societies.
• Stoles - Symbolic of achievements, awards, or membership in a university organization.

Assembling Your Doctor of Theology Regalia

Once you have purchased or rented your cap, gown, hood and other accessories, it's time to put them on in the proper order. Here are some tips for assembling your Th.D. regalia:

1. First, put on the gown. The front panels should overlap right over left.
2. Step into the hood with the lining colors facing yourself. Drape it around your neck gently.
3. Secure the hood by fastening the hook and eye or Velcro closure hidden under one edge of the hood.
4. Straighten out the hood so it flows nicely down your back. Adjust the drape length as needed.
5. Attach any stole, cords or tassels you wish to wear onto the front of the gown.
6. Put on the tam, ensuring the flat top is level. Position the tassel so it hangs over the left quadrant of the cap.
7. Carefully place the tam on your head, avoiding flattening the tassel. Angle the corner with the tassel forward.
8. Confirm all pieces are straight and properly arranged. You're ready to graduate!

How to Wear Doctor of Theology Regalia

When it's time for the ceremony, wearing your regalia correctly ensures you look sophisticated and composed. Follow these tips for how to wear your Th.D. academic attire on commencement day:

• Wear professional clothing under your gown. Dark trousers or a skirt paired with a collared dress shirt or blouse work well.
• Keep the gown sleeves pulled down. Only show cufflinks or a watch peeking out from sleeves.
• Make sure the gown drapes properly and doesn't drag on the floor. High heels help lift the hem.
• Walk slowly and smoothly in your regalia. Avoid overly long strides or rushed movements.
• Hold your head level when wearing the tam. Look forward, not down.
• Carry the tam when walking. Place it firmly on your head when seated or on stage.
• Keep your hood neatly arranged on your shoulders at all times.
• When seated, drape your gown and hood behind you over the chair back.
• Pose for photos with your shoulders back to prominently display your regalia.

During the ceremony, follow any instructions from university staff regarding when to wear or remove your cap. You may be asked to remove it briefly for conferral of degrees or other parts of the program.

Regalia Etiquette and Care Tips

Academic regalia represents your highest academic achievement, so treat it with respect and care. Follow proper etiquette when wearing your Th.D. regalia:

• Arrive at the ceremony with your regalia neatly pressed and arranged.
• Keep regalia on for the entire event, only removing pieces when instructed.
• Do not decorate the tam or gown with extra embellishments or writing.
• Refrain from eating or chewing gum while in regalia.
• Ask for assistance if you need help putting on your hood or other pieces.
• Return rented items promptly after the ceremony to avoid fees.
• Carefully store your regalia after graduation to preserve its condition.

Your Doctor of Theology regalia is a treasured representation of your graduate degree. Treat it gently, wear it proudly, and enjoy having your significant achievement recognized at commencement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tips for posing in graduation photos with my Th.D. regalia?

Stand tall with your shoulders back. Make sure the front of your gown and hood details are visible. Hold your tam at your side or lightly grasp a corner between your fingers. Have someone arrange the hood and tam properly from behind. Face the camera directly and remember to smile!

How early should I arrive at graduation to put on my doctoral regalia?

Plan to arrive at the ceremony venue at least one hour before the start time to allow plenty of time to get dressed. This will give you time to put on all the pieces carefully without feeling rushed.

What color honor cords can I wear with my Th.D. regalia?

Gold and white cords representing cum laude or summa cum laude academic honors are common. Check with your institution, as some may have custom colors for special academic achievements or programs.

Can I decorate my graduation cap if I'm getting a Doctor of Theology degree?

Most universities don't allow cap decorations for doctoral graduates as it's considered less formal. A better place to express your individuality is with your tassel, stoles or honor cords if allowed by your school.

How should I carry my doctoral regalia if it starts raining during graduation?

Hold the gown up gently so the hem doesn't drag on wet ground. Carry the tam flat on your palm to keep the top dry. Ask someone to hold an umbrella over your head to protect the hood and your hair.

FAQs

Can I wear a suit or dress under my Th.D. graduation gown?

Yes, wear professional attire under your doctoral robe that aligns with your school or department's dress code for commencement. Dark-colored suits or dresses work well. Make sure any clothing under the gown isn't visible besides your sleeves and bottom hem.

What material are Doctor of Theology gowns and hoods made from?

Traditional doctoral graduation regalia is made from fine wool blend fabrics. The gown is usually a wool blend like gabardine. Hoods can be wool, satin, or a silk/rayon blend. Lining and trim are often silk or velvet.

How should I fold my doctoral regalia for proper storage?

Gently fold gowns lengthwise with sleeves straight and even. Lay hoods flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Store regalia pieces in a garment bag or archival storage box away from light to prevent fading. Keep acid-free tissue between folds.

Can I have my Th.D. hood altered or customized?

It's best not to alter the size or shape of an academic hood. Some custom details like name embroidery may be allowed by your university. Check with your school's policies before making any changes to standard doctoral regalia.

What's the significance of the velvet on a Doctor of Theology gown?

The velvet trim color indicates your academic field, while the velvet panels' shape marks your degree level. For theology doctorates, the velvet is traditionally gold or scarlet. The three velvet sleeve bars and front panels signify the highest doctoral degree.