University Seals, Regalia, and Commencement Traditions

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Quiz Questions

1.
In 1912, the tradition of throwing one's hat/mortarboard into the air was started. Which institution put this in motion?
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- A.
  Air Force Academy
- B.
  Harvard University
- C.
  U.S. Naval Academy
- D.
  Yale University
2.
A university seal is a device for authenticating a document and providing evidence of its legitimacy. When were the first seals used?
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- A.
  12th century Europe
- B.
  14th century China
- C.
  16th century Europe
- D.
  18th century Colonial America
3.
Depending on one's degree, graduates wear tassels or trimmed hoods with a color corresponding to their concentration. What color signifies a degree in education?
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- A.
  Apricot
- B.
  Light Blue
- C.
  Pink
- D.
  Brown
4.
At Smith College, graduates create a diploma circle and must do this before receiving their diploma.
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- A.
  Sing the school song.
- B.
  Lay a rose in the middle of the circle.
- C.
  Shake hands with the women to either side of them.
- D.
  Exchange another graduate's diploma, which they received, for their own.
5.
What word refers to the study of seals attached to documents as a source of historical information?
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- A.
  Sigillography
- B.
  Diplomatics
- C.
  Ideography
- D.
  Stylography
6.
Academic regalia dates back 1000 years. Gowns, stoles, and caps were worn for this reason.
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- A.
  To distinguish scholars from priests.
- B.
  To keep warm.
- C.
  To show off the scholars' superiority and intelligence.
- D.
  All of the above.
7.
Which university's graduating architecture students go to great lengths to decorate their mortarboards?
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- A.
  Rhode Island School of Design
- B.
  Cornell University
- C.
  University of Notre Dame
- D.
  University of California - Berkeley
8.
A book is the most common symbol on a university seal. What is the second most common motif?
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- A.
  A tree.
- B.
  An eagle.
- C.
  A star.
- D.
  A lamp/torch.
9.
For their commencement march, graduates from Connecticut College are gifted these to connect them to the institution. The item is also part of the College seal.
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- A.
  A white pine sapling
- B.
  A lantern
- C.
  A cross
- D.
  A sword
10.
The length of the hood on a graduate's gown is dependent on the degree. What is the size of the hood for a doctoral graduate?
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- A.
  Three feet
- B.
  Three and one-half feet
- C.
  Four feet
- D.
  It doesn't matter

Quiz Outcomes

1.
You graduate, barely!
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Good effort! You can always try again!
2.
You graduate with honors!
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Great job! You are well-versed in higher education traditions and regalia!
3.
You graduate Summa Cum Laude!
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Exceptional work! You have graduated with the highest of honors!

University Seals, Regalia, and Commencement Traditions

Graduating from a college or university is a huge milestone! Test your knowledge on higher education traditions and insignia!

Quiz Questions

Quiz Outcomes