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All candidates for graduation are responsible for securing the following items:
Bachelor’s degrees: Black bachelor’s gown, cap, and a black tassel.
Associate’s degrees: Silver associate’s gown, cap, and a black tassel.
Tassels: Undergraduate candidates will wear the tassel on the right side of the cap.

Honor Cords
Official DSU honor cords, distributed through the Office of Academic Records, are distributed to undergraduate candidates during the assembly process preceding the ceremony. They are the only enhancements to the traditional regalia that have been approved by Dickinson State University for commencement ceremonies. These honor cords can be worn by undergraduate candidates who achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher in courses completed at Dickinson State University and including transfer course work at the end of the semester proceeding the graduation term.

Any additional enhancements to the traditional academic regalia, or deviations from it, must be approved in advance by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Announcements
Personalized graduation announcements custom printed with your name, degree and major may be ordered through Balfour. The new official DSU personalized graduation announcements are available online at www.cbgrad.com or by calling 1-800-433-0296.

Class Rings
Class ring information is available from Balfour. Orders may be placed anytime. Please call (701) 255-4626 to order. Balfour representatives will be on campus in February and April at the Student Center to assist you with your order.

Photographs
A professional photographer from Jolesch Photography will take a picture of each candidate while receiving the diploma cover from the President. A few weeks after the ceremony, a proof of these photos and an order form will be mailed to each graduate. At that time, you may order pictures as desired. This service is provided to ensure quality photographs and to avoid the confusion of many individuals attempting to position themselves for picture taking.

Jolesch Photography
2771 104th Street, Suite E
Des Moines, IA 50322
Call Toll Free: 1-800-833-6769
Fax: (515) 278-6334
Webpage: http://www.jolesch.com

Diploma Frames
Hardwood frames embossed with Dickinson State University and the seal are available from the University Bookstore at Dickinson State University in a number of finishes and sizes for all degrees and certificates conferred by Dickinson State University. To view frame options, visit https://www-secure.dsu.nodak.edu/store/default.asp (click on Gift Items)

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Richard Brauhn issues a diploma to a graduating student during Commencement.

Regalia History
Academic regalia generally consist of cap, gown, and hood worn on formal occasions at institutions of higher learning. It originated in the medieval period when the vast majority of scholars were of the clergy.

The gown evolved from what most likely was the cape of the clergy. The gown was originally black, but color was introduced as institutions left ecclesiastical control.

The hood originated as the skull cap was worn by the clergy to protect their heads from the elements. The hood served as a three-fold purpose: head covering, shoulder cap and bag for alms.

King’s College, now known as Columbia University, was established in 1754 and imported many British regulations for academic dress. The end of the 19 th century found widespread use of academic dress in the United States. It is estimated that 95% of the colleges and universities abide by the intercollegiate code which overseas academic dress.

Styles and Colors:
The bachelor’s gown is worn closed and is distinguished by its pointed sleeves. A master’s gown is designed to be worn closed with long, crescent-shaped sleeves. The doctor’s garb may be worn open or closed with velvet panels down the front and three bars on the round, bell-shaped sleeves. The color of the velvet may be distinctive of the field of study to which the degrees pertain.

Representative degree colors are distinguished in the following manner:

Arts, Letters, Humanities – White
Economics – Copper
Fine Arts – Brown
Library Science – Lemon
Nursing – Apricot
Public Administration – Peacock Blue
Social Work – Citron
Business – Drab
Education – Light Blue
Law – Purple
Music – Pink
Physical Education – Sage Green
Science – Golden Yellow
Theology – Scarlet

The most distinguishing feature of the academic attire is the hood. The size and shape of the hood designates not only the college degree of the wearer but also the university he or she attended. The master’s hood is three and one-half feet in length, while the doctor’s hood is rounded and measurers four feet in length. Hoods are lined with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The binding around the hood is velvet with the color indicative of the major field of study.

Caps are normally black with most common the four-point mortarboard. Tassels are worn over the left front quarter after a degree has been conferred.

Students graduating with honors from Dickinson State University are distinguished with gold honor cords. Only students earning bachelor degrees may receive honor status.

The Mace

The mace in medieval times was often carried by kings, bishops, and other officials into battle, where it was used as a weapon. Gradually, the mace came to be used more for ceremonial occasions rather than combat.

In modern times, the mace is most frequently seen in legislative chambers, as well as academic and religious processions. The mace, used in this manner, is a symbol denoting authority.