Graduation Season at the four campuses of the University of the West Indies marks the university's recognition and celebration of the academic achievements of its graduates who have satisfied the requirements for Certificates, Licentiates, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees. As part of the celebrations and in accordance with time-honoured academic traditions, academic dress is worn at all the ceremonies for the Presentation of Graduates.
The story of the UWI’s academic dress runs parallel to the history of the university, which began teaching in 1948, as a College in special relationship with the University of London. By an early decision, undergraduates wore scarlet matricula- tion gowns similar to those used at the University of St Andrews in Scotland – a tradition which died out in the early 1970s. The first graduates wore the gown and hood of the University of London. The Chancellor’s gown, first worn by Princess Alice in February 1950, was the UCWI’s first official ceremonial dress. The Principal and members of faculty wore the gowns and robes of their highest degrees.
When the University of the West Indies gained its own Charter and Statutes, in 1962, it established a Committee of the Senate to identify distinctive regalia. It was decided to use Caribbean colours and light materials in a style that would be comfortable to wear in tropical conditions. These blue and red gowns would be worn at Graduation and other special occasions. Where they did not already exist, gowns were also designed for high officials of the university.
Like most universities, ceremonies at the UWI feature procession in full academic dress with distinctions of rank as well as faculty reflected in the richness and details of the various gowns and accessories worn by participants.
