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[khood]

I just researched this to death recently, and came to the conclusion that all Ph.Ds are supposed to have the dark blue lining with the other colors ("chevrons" or something?) based on the institution.  I think this is fairly "official" since this is the standard provided by the same group that assigns the discipline-specific colors to begin with--the group that keeps track of all this stuff so all the folks making the hoods know what colors to use.  The discipline-specific colors, though, are only used for non-Ph.D. doctorates (e.g. Ed.D., DPA, DBA, etc.).

[Mendel]

khood wrote:

> I just researched this to death recently, and came to the
> conclusion that all Ph.Ds are supposed to have the dark blue
> lining with the other colors ("chevrons" or something?) based
> on the institution.  I think this is fairly "official" since
> this is the standard provided by the same group that assigns
> the discipline-specific colors to begin with--the group that
> keeps track of all this stuff so all the folks making the hoods
> know what colors to use.  The discipline-specific colors,
> though, are only used for non-Ph.D. doctorates (e.g. Ed.D.,
> DPA, DBA, etc.).


Thanks for your input, that helps!

[yedis]

khood wrote:

> I just researched this to death recently, and came to the
> conclusion that all Ph.Ds are supposed to have the dark blue
> lining with the other colors ("chevrons" or something?) based
> on the institution.  I think this is fairly "official" since
> this is the standard provided by the same group that assigns
> the discipline-specific colors to begin with--the group that
> keeps track of all this stuff so all the folks making the hoods
> know what colors to use.  The discipline-specific colors,
> though, are only used for non-Ph.D. doctorates (e.g. Ed.D.,
> DPA, DBA, etc.).

You may have come to this conclusion, but nevertheless, you are wrong.  My PhD gown does not have a dark blue lining.  Again this is something that different depending on your granting university.  I've said this thrice, and will not deny thee again (as I am boring even myself).

[melba]

Choose your favorite colors. Make up a good story to back them up.

[Brianrietta]

Just to echo what Sidey is saying: there is no universal rule that determines the correct colours of an academic hood or gown (even the lining).

And there is certainly no "official group" that regulates this. It all depends on the educational institution that is awarding your degree.

[khood]

I should have qualified that everyone acknowledges that some institutions have particular traditions that override this, but "Ph.D. blue" is the standard otherwise.  This advice is universal from businesses that provide regalia, and it is the advice given by the American Council on Education (www.acenet.edu).  

yedis wrote:

 
> You may have come to this conclusion, but nevertheless, you are
> wrong.  My PhD gown does not have a dark blue lining.  Again
> this is something that different depending on your granting
> university.  I've said this thrice, and will not deny thee
> again (as I am boring even myself).

[Google "Regalia"]

It is my understanding (at least at my institution) that blue is for all PhDs, regardless of discipline (blue being for philosophy).  Likewise, it is white for all M.A.s (arts), but MEds can wear light blue (Education) and MBAs have another color (sorry don't know it off the top of my head).  Use google and common sense & you'll be okay.  Chances are nobody else really knows either & you won't be out of place at all.  Good luck.

[khood]

Well, the American Council on Education endorses exactly what I've said.  They don't "regulate" it exactly, I suppose, but they do advise it.  Go to www.acenet.edu and search "regalia."  

Sheesh.

Brianrietta wrote:

> Just to echo what Sidey is saying: there is no universal rule
> that determines the correct colours of an academic hood or gown
> (even the lining).
>
> And there is certainly no "official group" that regulates this.
> It all depends on the educational institution that is awarding
> your degree.

[Mendel]

khood wrote:

> Well, the American Council on Education endorses exactly what
> I've said.  They don't "regulate" it exactly, I suppose, but
> they do advise it.  Go to www.acenet.edu and search "regalia."
>
>
> Sheesh.
>
>

khood- thanks for replying.  I was getting frustrated and didn't want to post a testy reply.  Your info was said just right! My research into this is the same as yours.

[yedis]

khood wrote:

> Well, the American Council on Education endorses exactly what
> I've said.  They don't "regulate" it exactly, I suppose, but
> they do advise it.  Go to www.acenet.edu and search "regalia."
>
>
> Sheesh.

The 'American' council on Education is simply that - American.  Academia is a extremely international profession.

Sheesh yourself.

[bad toad]

Pomp and circumstance....I'm afraid that Gregor (Mendel that is) and "his" gang are right on this one.  However, as in all situations there are exceptions to the norm.  

But above all -  Lighten up Francis!

[Pretzel]

At my school (that I graduated from), each college (e.g., College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, etc.) has a designated color for Master's degrees. Coincidentally, my college's color was also my school's color, so I thought that was pretty cool =)

For my PhD degrees, if I recall, all candidates in all fields wore the gown/hood with the school color. This gown, I've been told, is the gown I will wear for the rest of my life when I attend ANY school's graduation.

[Schoolmarm]

OK, khood is on the money here.

For the MA you get the color of your discipline for the velvet and your school colors go on the satin for the lining.

For a PhD in any subject matter, you get the dark blue (from philosophy) on the velvet and your school colors on the satin lining.

If you have an EdD you get the light blue for education on the velvet and the school colors on the satin lining.

If you have a DM, DME, DA or some other music doctorate that is not a PhD you get pink velvet with school colors on the satin lining.

If you have a doctorate of science (DS?) it is gold velvet.  I actually saw one of these at a consignment shop.

If you have  DBA, it is some type of drab/brown.  You go to the discipline colors for the DFA, and other types of doctorates.

Of course there are a few schools that have really cool multicolored robes but no hoods.  In that case, the point is moot.

By the way, I prefer the velvet tam with gold tassel instead of the mortarboard to go with the doctoral robes.  Much more fashionable!  I also prefer the sleeves on my old masters robe as they were great for putting in a bottle of water and my car keys.  Of course, I prefer having my PhD, with the exception of the masters sleeves!

[Brianrietta]

khood wrote:

> Well, the American Council on Education endorses exactly what
> I've said. They don't "regulate" it exactly, I suppose, but
> they do advise it. Go to www.acenet.edu and search "regalia."
>
>
> Sheesh.


I read the information on the link that you suggested. Interesting.

BUT I still agree with Sidey/Yedis: The Academy is not uniquely American.

If you were to look at doctoral gowns around the world, you would notice that many (a)  are red, (b) are not supposed to close shut, (c) are not worn with a mortarboard, (d) do not have the three bars along the sleeves.

[sidey]

Brianrietta wrote:

> I read the information on the link that you suggested.
> Interesting.
>
> BUT I still agree with Sidey/Yedis: The Academy is not uniquely
> American.
>
> If you were to look at doctoral gowns around the world, you
> would notice that many (a)  are red, (b) are not supposed to
> close shut, (c) are not worn with a mortarboard, (d) do not
> have the three bars along the sleeves.

Exactly - please be aware, folks, that there _is_ life outside of America, and they _do_ do things differently there.