Graduation Hat

There are conflicting historical accounts of the origin of the graduation hat otherwise known as trencher hat. One theory holds that it was designed by early academicians to look like a book, thus, giving a scholarly appearance. Other accounts hold that the cap was designed in the shape of oxford University Campus. The true origin has not yet been established, however, the graduation hat has become a standard feature of graduation ceremonies worldwide. The cap was initially designed to be worn horizontally and parallel to the ground, however, today many individuals especially women who are graduating, slightly tilt the cap backwards which is not forbidden.
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Initially the caps were only to be worn outdoors, and only high ranking faculty professors were allowed to wear them while indoors. It is due to these earlier conflicting regulations that some universities have done away with the graduation cap all together. Some universities are said to have given up the idea of the graduation hat upon admission of women. However the graduation hat has become a symbol that represents academic excellence and is worn with official academic gowns. For faculty members a different type of hat known as a tam is worn in place of the ordinary mortar board graduation hat.
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