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Academic Regalia

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.”