Yes, the season is here! Universities across Kenya are preparing for or are already in the graduation mood — a time of celebration and recognition of academic achievements. Graduation ceremonies are steeped in the rich culture and tradition of the academic community, symbolised by the distinctive academic regalia worn by graduates and faculty alike.
However, recent years have seen a worrying trend: the erosion of these traditions, particularly by politicians and other public figures who attend these ceremonies, insisting on being part of the academic procession but with little regard for the established norms of academic culture and traditions.
A university is not just an institution of higher learning; it is the epitome of scholarship, the pinnacle of research, and the cornerstone of societal development. It is within these hallowed halls that civilisations are shaped, where youth are prepared for the future, and where the destiny of a nation is forged. Central to this process is the academic culture — an inherited set of ideas, beliefs, values, and knowledge that form the bedrock of social action within the academic community. Academic culture demands certain decorum, respect, and adherence to tradition, especially during significant events like graduation.
All societies and communities have traditions and academia is not an exception. Traditions in academia are time-honoured ways of doing things, passed down from one generation to the next. These customs are unique to the academic community, and they are what distinguish universities from other institutions of learning. Graduation ceremonies, in particular, are a celebration of these traditions. Academic regalia or dress – comprising caps, hoods, and gowns — is a key element of this tradition, symbolizing the achievements and status of the academic community.
The academic gown varies depending on the level of degree. Bachelor’s gowns typically have long, pointed sleeves and are worn closed, while master’s gowns feature oblong sleeves with an arc cut out at the wrist. Doctoral gowns, the most prestigious, usually have bell-shaped sleeves, velvet panels down the front, and three velvet bars on each sleeve. The hoods also differ in length and design, with the inside lining displaying the colours of the institution that awarded the degree, and the trim colour indicating the field of study.
The cap, another important element of the regalia, varies depending on the degree level. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders typically wear the mortarboard, a square cap with a flat top and a tassel. Doctoral graduates, on the other hand, wear the tam, a round cap made of velvet, normally with a gold tassel. Diploma holders, are supposed to put on the bachelor’s gown, but are never supposed to be capped.
Despite these clear distinctions, there have been instances where politicians attending graduation ceremonies have demanded to be dressed in full doctoral regalia, without holding the requisite qualifications. This blatant disregard for the unwritten rules, culture and traditions of academia not only undermines the integrity of the ceremonies but also disrespects the hard-earned achievements of those who have rightfully earned the right to wear such regalia. It is crucial that those attending graduation ceremonies adhere to the robing guidelines set by the university senates, and enforced by academic registrars.
Members of the management, council, board of trustees, or other governing body officers of a university are entitled to wear doctoral gowns by virtue of their positions, regardless of their degrees. However, their hoods and caps should reflect only the degree actually held by the wearer. Officers who are non-degree holders should never put on caps, and the same applies to student leaders who have not graduated with degrees and who may be part of the graduation academic procession.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, let us also remember the importance of preserving the culture and traditions that make our universities unique. Academic regalia is more than just a costume — it is a symbol of the values, achievements, and heritage of the academic community. By respecting these traditions, we honour not only the graduates but also the generations of scholars who have come before them.
— The writer is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Eldoret
