UCLA Graduation Stole Guidelines: Tradition, Expression, and Academic Regalia
Graduation at UCLA is a momentous occasion steeped in tradition, yet also a vibrant display of individual expression. While there isn't a strict official dress code, time-honored customs and academic guidelines dictate the attire worn by graduating students. This article delves into the specifics of UCLA's graduation regalia, with a particular focus on the significance and customization of the graduation stole.
The Foundation: Cap, Gown, and Tassel
The UCLA Store stipulates that all graduating students must wear a cap and gown. In accordance with the Academic Costume Code, UCLA’s current graduation attire for undergraduates consists of a cap, gown, and tassel. These are the fundamental components of the academic dress, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The color of the tassel often indicates the school or department from which the student is graduating. For instance, students earning a bachelor’s degree from the School of Theater, Film, and Television wear brown tassels. Purple tassels and trims are designated for School of Law graduates, while green tassels and trims are worn by those graduating from the David Geffen School of Medicine.
A Historical Perspective: The Enduring Tradition of White
Interestingly, despite the absence of a formal dress code, a tradition of wearing white has persisted among UCLA graduates for at least 140 years. Marina Nye, a history doctoral student, notes that images of women in graduation gowns dating back to the 1870s reveal this custom, coinciding with the period when women began attending college. This historical context adds another layer of meaning to the graduation ceremony, connecting contemporary graduates to generations past.
The Graduation Stole: A Canvas for Personal Expression
Another distinctive element of the UCLA graduation attire is the satin blue stole. While not mandatory for the ceremony, many students opt to wear one. The standard stole sold at the UCLA store only features the name of the school and a student’s graduation class. However, the stole has increasingly become a canvas for students to express their individuality, cultural heritage, and affiliations.
Customization as a Reflection of Identity
Many students choose to decorate their stoles, transforming them into personal narratives that reflect their unique experiences at UCLA. Jessica Lin, a fourth-year molecular, cell, and developmental biology student, provides a compelling example. She decorated her sash to feature clubs on campus that highlighted her cultural identity - including UCLA Wushu, a Chinese martial arts club on campus. Lin said she plans to wear different dresses for the commencement ceremony and graduation photos. “I never got to experience much of my Chinese heritage,” Lin said. “Being able to show that off … such a big milestone and graduating college - I really wanted that." This exemplifies how the stole can serve as a powerful visual representation of a student's journey and affiliations.
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Political Statements and Cultural Pride
Beyond personal affiliations, graduation attire, including the stole, has also been used as a form of political expression and a display of cultural pride. UCLA is not alone as students from schools across the country use their graduation attire as a form of political protest. Romero said, “I not only chose to wear it as a symbol of my Mexican pride, but also because I spent all four of my years at UCLA in Mariachi de Uclatlán.” This demonstrates the potential of the stole to become a platform for making statements and celebrating identity.
The Significance of the Stole in the Graduation Ceremony
The graduation stole, whether adorned with personal decorations or worn in its standard form, adds depth and richness to the graduation ceremony. It reflects not only the academic achievements of the graduating class but also the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations of the individuals who comprise it. The stole serves as a visual reminder of the vibrant and multifaceted community that is UCLA.
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