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Did You Know? The UK Commencement Version

Published: May 6, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 6, 2010) - As the University of Kentucky gears up to celebrate the more than 6,000 Wildcats who will enter their alumni phase of life on Saturday, questions always come up about different commencement procedures and the history of UK's ceremony. We've gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions here as well as some historical milestones in UK's Commencement history.

For complete information about UK's 143rd Commencement, visit www.uky.edu/commencement.

What are the graduates wearing and what does each style of robe signify?

Every participant in the University of Kentucky Commencement will be attired in the traditional basic-black academic cap and gown. But the caps and gowns may be adorned by sleeves, tassels and hoods that bespeak the degree he or she is receiving or currently holds.

The sleeves of gowns identify the type of degree the graduate will receive. The gown for bachelor's degrees has pointed sleeves, and is designed to be worn closed. The master's degree gown has an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist, with the rear part of the sleeve being square cut and the front part having a cut-away arc. This gown is designed to be worn either open or closed. The doctor's degree gown has a bell-shaped sleeve that bears three velvet bars, which are usually black but can be other colors, depending on the degree.

Originally intended to shield the wearer from inclement weather, the hood now hangs loosely along the shoulders and back. The bachelor's hood is rather short with a narrow velvet edging that bears the color of the wearer's college. The lining has the blue-and-white colors of the University of Kentucky.

Considerably longer than the bachelor's, the master's hood has a wider velvet edging that exposes more of the lining. The outside velvet trim color identifies the degree the wearer is receiving.

The doctor's hood is identifiable by the even-wider velvet edging, wide panels at either side, greater length and the full exposure of the lining. The edging's colors most frequently are blue for philosophy, green for medicine and purple for law.

Honorary degree recipients do not wear their hoods until after the degrees are conferred. Part of the honorary-degree ceremony includes the candidate being vested with the hood. Honorary doctor's degree hoods are purple for law; white for arts, letters and humanities; and golden yellow for science.

What do the different colored tassels mean?

Tassels on caps have the following colors, identifying the wearer with his or her college:

Apricot - Nursing

Black - Public Health

Brown - Fine Arts

Blue Violet - Design

Citron - Social Work

Crimson - Communications and Information Studies, Journalism

Drab - Business and Economics

Gold - Arts and Sciences, Sciences

Green - Medicine

Lemon - Communications and Information Studies, Library Science

Light Blue - Education

Light Green - Health Sciences

Lilac - Dentistry

Maize - Agriculture

Maroon - Agriculture, Human Environmental Sciences

Olive Green - Pharmacy

Orange - Engineering

Purple - Law

Silver/Gray - Communications and Information Studies, Communication

White - Arts and Sciences, Arts

Who is leading the processional into commencement and what is she carrying?

The University Marshal, Lois Chan, leads the student and faculty processions carrying a ceremonial mace. This practice dates from the 11th Century, when the mace, previously a bludgeon used in medieval warfare, became a symbol of protection for kings and dignitaries. It eventually was adopted by universities, with its ceremonial qualities being included in the graduation processions at American universities.

What is the significance of the medallion that President Todd is wearing?

President Lee T. Todd Jr. also wears a special medallion that bears the University seal. The medallion was a gift to UK's eighth president, Otis Singletary, from Robert McCowan, a former Board of Trustees member.

Why is President Todd's robe gray and red?

Each university has a distinct design for their doctoral robes. President Todd's gown is red and gray because he earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and that that is their institution's unique design.

University of Kentucky Commencement Historical Milestones

· UK's first commencement exercises were held in 1869 and honored one graduate.

· In 1889, graduates formed the Alumni Association.

· In the early 1900's, an alumni banquet was hosted during commencement week to welcome new graduates into alumni life.

· In 1901, prior to UK's 33rd Commencement, Richard Stoll, an alumnus on the Board of Trustees, introduced the format for Commencement that is still used today.

· 1910's commencement was the last one presided over by UK's first President James K. Patterson. At the time of his retirement, he was longest serving college president at any American university.

· In 1913, UK freshmen and sophomores began a tug-of-war competition in Clifton Pond as part of the Commencement week festivities.

· In 1951, Commencement was held in Memorial Coliseum for the first time. This tradition continued until 2004 when Commencement was moved to Rupp Arena.

· UK's president hosted commencement teas on the lawn of Maxwell Place until the 1960's.

· In 1987, the number of degrees awarded to women exceeded the number of degrees awarded to men for the first time at UK.

· For the first time in 2010, graduates are encouraged to connect during Commencement via Twitter, Facebook and Posterous. Tweet about your experiences using the hash tag #ukgrad on www.twitter.com. Follow the University's official Twitter account @UniversityofKy for updates regarding Commencement. Invite your friends and family to attend Commencement on Facebook. Click here for the official Facebook event invitation. Share your pictures by emailing them to post@ukgrad.posterous.com.

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		1 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Student-Teacher-Student Exhibit view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Ovid's Cafe Open for Finals view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Fine Arts Institute Classes & Workshops view Academic Calendar: Eight-Week Summer Session registration and add/drop continues for students enrolled in the 2012 Spring Semester view Academic Calendar: Add/Drop for priority registered students for the 2012 Fall Semester view Academic Calendar: First summer session registration and add/drop continue for students enrolled in the 2012 Spring Semester view Academic Calendar: Eight-Week Second Summer Session registration and add/drop continue for students enrolled in the 2012 Spring Semester view Tue	2 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Student-Teacher-Student Exhibit view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Ovid's Cafe Open for Finals view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Free Parking for South Campus Residence Hall Move Out view Systems Thinking For Sustainability Student Showcase view Wed	3 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Ovid's Cafe Open for Finals view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Free Parking for South Campus Residence Hall Move Out view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Student-Teacher-Student Exhibit view From Street to Studio view Thu	4 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Ovid's Cafe Open for Finals view Free Parking for South Campus Residence Hall Move Out view Academic Calendar: Last day for candidates for a May degree to submit a thesis/dissertation to The Graduate School view Fri	5 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view SPUR meeting view Sat
6 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view 145th Commencement view Sun	7 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view Dodgeball Open Gym view Academic Calendar: Beginning of College of Pharmacy 15-Week Summer Term view Academic Calendar: Advising Conference and Registration for new and readmitted students view Academic Calendar: Deadline for applying for admission to the Graduate School for the 2012 Eight-Week Summer Session view Academic Calendar: Deadline for applying for admission to the Graduate School for the 2012 Eight-Week Second 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view Academic Calendar: Last day a student may officially drop a course or cancel registration with the University Registrar for a full refund of fees view Academic Calendar: First day of Four-Week First Summer classes view Academic Calendar: Late registration for returning students not already registered and new applicants cleared late for admission. view Tue	9 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee Benefits Open Enrollment view UK Employee 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20 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course #9 view 43rd Annual Family Medicine Review Session 2 view Sun	21 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Academic Calendar: Midterm of 2012 Four-Week Intersession view 43rd Annual Family Medicine Review Session 2 view Mon	22 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Academic Calendar: Payment deadline of registration fees and/or housing and dining fees view 43rd Annual Family Medicine Review Session 2 view Tue	23 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Academic Calendar: Last day to withdraw from the University or reduce course load view 43rd Annual Family Medicine Review Session 2 view Lexington Farmers Market @ UK view Wed	24 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view 43rd Annual Family Medicine Review Session 2 view Thu	25 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view 43rd Annual Family Medicine Review Session 2 view Fri	26 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Sat
27 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Sun	28 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view Academic Calendar: Memorial Day - Academic Holiday view Academic Calendar: Final grading window is open view Mon	29 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course #10 view Tue	30 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course #10 view Academic Calendar: Last day for doctoral candidates for an August degree to submit a Notification of Intent to schedule a final examination in The Graduate School 2012 Four-Week - First Summer Session view Academic Calendar: Last day for doctoral candidates for an August degree to submit a Notification of Intent to schedule a final examination in The Graduate School 2012 Eight-Week - Second Summer Session view Lexington Farmers Market @ UK view Wed	31 SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view SPUR meeting view American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course #10 view Thu

May 16

Academic Calendar: Second summer session registration and add/drop for students who entered the University in the 2012 first summer session

Wed, 05/16/2012

Thu, 05/17/2012 - Fri, 05/18/2012

The 31st Annual UK Symposium in Reproductive Science & Women’s Health

09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Thu, 05/17/2012

UK Fun Day

02:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Fri, 05/18/2012

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course #9

05:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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