Hooding for Doctoral Degrees

For many years, the academic tradition of hooding has been a significant and cherished part of the Commencement Ceremony.  During this on-stage ritual, the doctoral hood is placed over the shoulders of the graduates to signify the professional stature attained by terminal degree holders.  The colors incorporated into the University’s hood for DO and DPM graduates are purple and white, signifying the official school colors, and green, the color designated for medicine in academic ceremonies.  For DPT graduates, the school colors are combined with teal, the color designated for the field of physical therapy.

Customarily, the honor of hooding is reserved for faculty in recognition of their role in the education of the graduates.  Each college defines its procedures for the selection of faculty hooders.  In addition, the University’s hooding policy does allow direct line relatives – parents, grandparents, siblings or spouse – who hold a D.O., D.P.M., D.P.T. or M.D. degree the honor of hooding graduates. Spouses in the Class of 2010 are granted the privilege of hooding each other as the degree is awarded prior to the on-stage hooding ceremony.

We want to assure everyone that we have thoroughly discussed this policy and believe it serves the interests of the graduates while preserving the academic focus of the tradition. Therefore, exceptions will not be granted.

Guest Hooder Requests

The due date for Guest Hooder Request submissions has expired. Please contact our office  if you have questions.

Thank you!