This commencement ceremony marks a special occasion for students completing degree programs offered by UW-Oshkosh. The Chancellor grants degrees by virtue of the powers vested by the UW System’s Board of Regents. In addition, academic degrees may only be granted upon the recommendation of the University’s faculty.

The academic procession is a featured part of the commencement program—a symbolic declaration that all members of the academic community are bound by common purpose and shared commitment to the ideals of higher education, including the search for meaning, truth and understanding.

The colors and apparel worn in the processional are symbolic of the Middle Ages. Because universities developed from church schools, both faculty and students were regarded as part of the clergy and wore clerical clothing based on monastic dress.

The traditional hat developed from the skull cap worn in cold weather. In Europe, a bonnet with a tassel is still worn, but in America it has been replaced by the mortarboard cap or tam with tassel.

The bachelor’s gown, with its long, pointed sleeves, is worn closed. The master’s gown has an oblong sleeve open at the wrist; the rear section is square cut. The doctoral gown often was furred, a decoration that survives today as the velvet on the front and sleeves. Graduate degree gowns may be worn open or closed.

The tassel colors seen in the processional correspond to the field of study: crimson, Bachelor of Applied Studies and Bachelor of Professional Studies; drab (tan), Bachelor of Business Administration; light blue, Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Science in Education; gold, Bachelor of Science; white, Bachelor of Arts; brown, Bachelor of Fine Arts; pink, Bachelor of Music; citron, Bachelor of Social Work; and apricot, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Associate of Arts and Science degree candidates wear black tassels.