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Academic Traditions

Caps, gowns, and hoods worn at university events date back to the Middle Ages when monks and students used them for warmth in drafty halls. From these practical origins, they have become the recognized attire representing scholarly achievement.

Commencement participants don their academic attire for the processional

Academic Attire

Baccalaureate gowns feature a pleated front, shoulder shirring, and flowing sleeves. They may be worn open or closed. 

Master’s gowns are worn open, with sleeves that allow the forearm to pass through a slit. The hood’s satin lining represents the institution, while the velvet border reflects the discipline.

Doctoral gowns have velvet panels and bars, with the option to be worn open or closed. The doctoral hood adds color, with silk representing the institution and velvet indicating the field of study.

Academic Colors

  • Brown: Fine Arts
  • Citron: Social Science
  • Copper: Economics
  • Crimson: Journalism
  • Dark Blue: Philosophy
  • Drab: Accountancy, Business
  • Science Gold: Science
  • Kelly Green: Medicine
  • Lemon: Library Science
  • Light Blue: Education
  • Orange: Engineering
  • Peacock Blue: Public Administration
  • Pink: Music
  • Purple: Law
  • Sage Green: Physical Education
  • Salmon Pink: Public Health
  • Scarlet: Theology
  • Silver: Oratory
  • White: Arts, Letters, Humanities
The Mace

The Mace

Historically a medieval weapon, the university mace is now used in ceremonial functions. the mace is now used in ceremonial functions. The Oswego mace features a jade sphere symbolizing wisdom and knowledge, surrounded by silver flanges representing imagination in higher education. The jade and rosewood reflect the grandeur of academic ceremonies. A gift from the Class of 1969 for President James Perdue’s inauguration, the mace has been used at official ceremonies ever since. It was designed by Joseph F. Shoenfelt and crafted by William D. Todd.

The Medallion

The Medallion

The university medallion is a symbol of the president’s authority and leadership within the institution. At its center is a green and gold circle representing Oswego, placed on a map of New York atop a globe, symbolizing the institution’s connection to the state and world. Designed by Dominic T. DiPasquale for President James Perdue’s 1966 inauguration, it was a gift from the Class of 1966. A wreath of gold leaves surrounds the globe, with a band engraved with the university’s name and two dates: 1861, its founding, and 1948, the founding of SUNY. A gold lamp of knowledge sits above the medallion.

Close-up of the statue of Edward Austin Sheldon

Past Presidents of SUNY Oswego

1861 – 1897: Edward Austin Sheldon, Founder
1897 – 1913: Isaac B. Poucher
1913 – 1933: James C. Riggs
1933 – 1947: Ralph W. Swetman
1947 – 1952: Harvey M. Rice
1952 – 1963: Foster S. Brown
1965 – 1977: James E. Perdue
1977 – 1988: Virginia Radley
1988 – 1995: Stephen L. Weber
1995 – 2021: Deborah F. Stanley