Inaugural Traditions

“Inauguration,” a word that that dates back to the mid-16th century, is a rite of passage marking a “formal or ceremonial induction to an office or dignity.” Collegiate presidential inaugurations in the United States originated with the nation’s nine colonial colleges in the 17th century and established the custom of formally acknowledging a change in leadership, within a context of continuity and tradition.

Over the years, the University of Idaho has taken pride in preparing generations of leaders who have played significant roles in the development of our state. The inauguration of Dr. M. Duane Nellis offers the University of Idaho community the opportunity to honor its legacy and unite in common purpose by remembering the past, focusing on the present and envisioning the future.

The academic regalia and other ceremonial objects used during inaugurations and other major university events, such as commencement and presidential inaugurations, can be traced to the world's oldest institutions of higher learning. The following describes some of these objects and their histories.

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Academic Regalia
The clothing worn by academics at such university ceremonies as inaugurations and commencements is rich with history, tradition and symbolism, much of it dating to England’s university in the Middle Ages. Each adornment helps reveal the wearer’s education and ranking.

Gowns
Traditionally black, the academic gown can be traced to 13th century Oxford. The cut and trim of the gown varies by the wearer’s level of degree. Long, pointed sleeves, for instance, indicate a bachelor’s degree, while oblong sleeves represent a master’s degree. Holders of doctoral degrees can be identified by their bell-shaped sleeves, the velvet panels on their front and neck, and the velvet stripes on their sleeves.

During its first century, the University of Idaho followed the intercollegiate code exactly, but not all schools in the United States and Canada did so, particularly when it came to doctoral gowns. In 1989, the University adopted a doctoral gown of its own, which was worn for the first time at the centennial commencement. It is silver, and the panels and sleeve bars are of black velvet outlined in antique gold.

Hoods
The hood, the most colorful and distinctive piece of the academic ensemble, is descended from the cowls once worn by monks to stay warm in their drafty English monasteries. The length, lining and trim reveal the wearer’s degree, area of study and alma mater.
The hood is worn draped over the shoulders with the lining exposed. It is traditionally lined with the official school colors of the wearer’s alma mater. At the University of Idaho, the lining of the hood is silver and gold; the color of the hood’s trim reflects the wearer’s field of study.

Caps
Academic caps are derived from the pileus, a close-fitting cap originally worn by the ancient Romans and later adopted by the church in 1311. Two primary styles of cap have emerged: the Oxford, which is the familiar, stiff mortarboard; and the Cambridge, a beret-like soft cap. The materials used in the caps vary, but velvet is traditionally reserved for holders of doctoral degrees.