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1. It’s not called a podium – it’s a lecturn.
2. It’s not a stage – it’s a platform.
3. It’s not a flag – it’s a gonfalon.
4. It’s not a sash – it’s a hood.
5. It’s not the ceremonial staff, but the mace.
6. You can see the Presidential mace at the UF Bookstore.
7. The robes come from 12th century European scholars who wore them to stay warm in unheated buildings.
8. The gowns were established as official dress for academics in 1321.
9. The sleeve lengths differentiate from Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.
10. Same with the hoods.
11. The color of the velvet border on a gown signifies the type of degree.
12. The color of the satin lining signifies the institution from which the wearer received the degree.
13. The color of the tassel signifies the college within the university.
14. Doctoral caps can have a 4-, 6-, or 8-sided tam, whereas Bachelor’s and Master’s caps only have 4 sides.
15. Bachelor’s caps have tassels that start on the right side.
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