Graduation terminology and dress | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Graduation terminology and dress

Understanding Graduation Terminology

Graduation lingo can be confusing so here is an explanatory list of key terms you're likely to hear on the big day.

Academic Dress

The academic gown, hood and trencher worn at a graduation ceremony (also known as regalia)

Alumni

After graduation as a former UniSC student, you automatically join UniSC Alumni - a global network of USC graduates

Doffing

Tipping your trencher (graduation hat) in salutation to the Chancellor

Graduand

Eligible to graduate but have not yet had your qualification awarded / conferred

Graduate

Your qualification has been awarded / conferred

In Absentia

Not attending graduation and instead receive certificate by mail

Testamur

The legal document stating your name and qualification imprinted with the USC seal

Trencher

Graduation hat

Academic dress

Associate degrees
  • Black cloth bachelor’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge
  • Black cloth trencher cap
  • Full-length black cloth stole
Associate degree academic dress, front Associate degree academic dress, back
Bachelor degrees

(including combined and double degrees)

  • Black cloth bachelor’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge
  • Black cloth trencher cap
  • Black cloth Oxford burgon-style hood lines with silk to a depth of 15 centimetres in the colour of the academic award field of education
Bachelor degree academic dress, front Bachelor degree academic dress, back
Bachelor (honours) degrees
  • Black cloth bachelor’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge
  • Black cloth trencher cap
  • Black cloth Oxford burgon-style hood lined with silk to a depth of 15 centimetres in the colour of the designated colour with a two centimetre strip in black commencing three centimetres from the edge
iBachelor degree (Honours) academic dress, front  Bachelor degree (Honours) academic dress, back
Graduate Certificates
  • Black cloth bachelor’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge
  • Black cloth trencher cap
  • Full-length black cloth stole edged to a depth of 2.5 centimetres in the designated colour
Graduate certificate academic dress, front Graduate certificate academic dress, back
Graduate Diplomas
  • Black cloth bachelor’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge
  • Black cloth trencher cap
  • Full-length black cloth stole fully-lined in the designated colour
Graduate diploma academic dress, front Graduate diploma academic dress, back
Master degrees
  • Black cloth master’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge
  • Black cloth trencher cap
  • Black cloth Oxford burgon-style hood fully lined with silk in the colour of the School with a two centimetre strip in black commencing three centimetres from the edge
Masters academic dress, front Masters academic dress, back
Professional Doctorates
  • Black cloth doctor’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge with facings and sleeve linings in red
  • Black velvet bonnet with a black cord tassel
  • Black cloth Cambridge hood fully lined with silk in the designated colour
Professional doctorate academic dress, front Professional doctorate academic dress, back
Doctor of Philosophy
  • Black cloth doctor’s gown in the style of the University of Cambridge with facings and sleeve linings in new red
  • Black velvet bonnet with a red cord tassel
  • Black cloth Cambridge hood fully lined with new red silk.
Doctor of Philosophy academic dress, front Doctor of Philosophy academic dress, back