Traditions

Convocation at the University of Alberta includes a rich history of traditions, including the format of ceremonies, academic dress, conferring of degrees, and other key university hallmarks such as the mace (pictured above) and ceremonial chairs.

Ceremony and procession

Convocation ceremonies stem from the medieval tradition. The procession of the guild of teachers, whose solemn assembly, or convocation, is the modern equivalent of the medieval magna congregation of all faculties. It is led by the Chancellor and the Chief Marshal carrying the mace, the symbol of the university's corporate authority.

The academic gowns, hoods, and caps declare, in their various designs and colours, the academic qualifications of the faculty. The citations and presentations by the faculty to the Chancellor attest to him and to society the degree of proficiency attained by the students of the university.

There follows a visible and public act whereby the universitas magistrorum, acting through its Chancellor, confers upon the students the appropriate degree. It is the act, not a certificate, which constitutes the validity of the degree bestowed. The words "I admit you" and the placing of the students' hands within the hands of the Chancellor and his associates, bind the students in the appropriate degree to the universitas magistrorum.

The students thereafter bear for all time the mark of their association with this university. They have received what the university has been and presently is. Because they bear in themselves the promise of the future, they are what the university hopes to be. Despite its solemnity, convocation is a joyous occasion.

Academic dress

Gowns for undergraduate and Master's degrees are the customary Cambridge shape: a gown of black material falling below the knee, with full sleeves cut to the elbow and terminating in a point.

Hoods are made in the Oxford pattern, of spruce green material. The Bachelor's hood has a border three inches wide of the colour distinctive to the faculty. The Master's hood has a full lining of the colour distinctive to the faculty.

Mortarboards are the standard black trencher shape with black tassels, which are worn forward and to the left.

Hood colours

University Hallmarks and Traditions

The University of Alberta takes pride in its traditions and hallmarks. The University Senate website provides information about these special aspects of the university, including:

• University Ceremonial Chairs
• University Coat of Arms
• University Colours
• University Flag
• University Grace
• University Mace
• University Motto

Faculty Establishment Dates

This document lists the establishment dates of each of the Faculties at the University of Alberta. Celebrations are normally held when a Faculty reaches 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 etc. years from their establishment date. These dates were formally approved by the Deans of the Faculties in 2018.