Convocation is a momentous event in CUE’s academic calendar – it symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for students. Beyond the bestowing of degrees, CUE’s convocation is a tradition that has stood the test of time. These rituals and customs hold significant meaning for both graduates and the CUE community.
Academic Regalia
Academic regalia dates back to that which was worn by academics and clergy in European universities of the Middle Ages. The various components of academic regalia have come to symbolize levels of academic scholarship. Variations in sleeves, colours, and decorations represent degree levels and the particular preferences of individual universities. Faculty and guests with doctoral-level degrees participating in CUE’s graduation ceremonies wear the distinctive academic gown, hood, and cap of the institution from which they graduated.
Hoods are granted to students who have earned University Degrees. The hoods for CUE’s graduates are lined with blue and white, CUE’s official colours. The colour of the velvet edging indicates the academic discipline in which the degree has been earned:
- Arts – White
- Education – Blue
- Environmental Health – Salmon
- Management – Drab
- Science – Gold
- Honorary Degree of the Doctor of Laws – Purple
The gold cord indicates a degree earned with distinction or with high distinction:
- Undergraduate students who complete their degree programs with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 to 3.69 are awarded degrees “With Distinction.” Those who complete their degree programs with a Grade Point Average of 3.7 or higher are awarded degrees “With High Distinction.”
- After-degree students who complete their programs with a Grade Point Average of 3.7 to 3.79 are awarded degrees “With Distinction.” Those who complete their programs with a Grade Point Average of 3.8 or higher are awarded degrees “With High Distinction.”
The Mace
Historically, the mace originated as a weapon used by medieval knights. Over time, it evolved into a symbol of authority and power, often carried by high-ranking officials or leaders. In the context of universities, the mace represents the authority of the institution, its governance, and its commitment to education and knowledge. CUE’s ceremonial mace has Concordia’s traditional crest embedded on all 4 sides and on the stand.
The Eagle Staff
An Eagle Staff is a sacred item prepared with prayer and eagle feathers as a ceremonial display of leadership. Eagle feathers, when gifted, are considered the highest honour given by the Indigenous community. The eagle flies the highest, making it the closest being to Creator. When an eagle gifts us its feathers we use them to acknowledge a major contribution or achievement. Each eagle feather on a staff holds significance and tells a story.
The CUE eagle staff was created by our Elders Council with many feathers from four communities across Turtle Island. Our Elders Council determines the carrier of the staff, and the CUE President is given the responsibility to keep and display our staff as a reminder to model leadership and to maintain good relations within the Indigenous community.
The Honour Song
The Honour Song is a prayer drum song to honour all graduates’ contributions and achievements. It also serves as a way to pass on cultural traditions, honour ancestors, and recognize those recipients who have demonstrated a commitment to their community. It is an Indigenous way of celebrating and sending wishes of health and happiness to those who are moving on to their next journeys.
