The hat primarily associated with a PhD or other doctoral degrees is commonly known as a velvet tam. While various academic caps exist, the velvet tam is a distinctive symbol reserved for those who have earned a doctorate.
The Distinguished Velvet Tam
The velvet tam is a sophisticated and traditional piece of academic regalia that signifies the highest level of academic achievement. Unlike the more ubiquitous square mortarboard, the tam's soft, rounded, or multi-sided design and plush velvet material immediately set it apart, identifying the wearer as a doctoral degree holder or a faculty member with a doctorate.
Design and Varieties
Velvet tams are typically crafted from soft, black velvet, reflecting the formal and solemn nature of academic ceremonies. A key feature of the tam is its tassel, which for doctoral degrees is almost universally gold. This gold tassel can be permanently affixed to the tam or can be movable.
- Material: Predominantly black velvet, offering a richer texture and appearance than the standard fabric of a mortarboard.
- Shape: Available in several models, including 4-sided, 6-sided, or 8-sided designs, offering slight variations in the cap's silhouette.
- Tassel: A gold bullion tassel is the standard for doctoral recipients, symbolizing their distinguished academic standing.
Why a Tam for PhDs?
The tradition of wearing a velvet tam for doctoral degrees stems from historical practices where different caps denoted different levels of scholarship. The tam, with its distinctive material and often multi-sided shape, evolved to visually distinguish doctors and faculty from master's and bachelor's degree recipients. It serves as a visual marker of their advanced study, rigorous research, and significant contributions to their fields.
Mortarboard vs. Velvet Tam: Key Differences
While both the mortarboard and the velvet tam are types of academic caps, they are worn to signify different levels of academic achievement. Understanding their distinctions is crucial in the context of academic regalia.
| Feature | Mortarboard | Velvet Tam |
|---|---|---|
| Associated Degree | Bachelor's, Master's, and sometimes Doctoral | Primarily Doctoral degrees and Faculty |
| Material | Typically stiff fabric (e.g., polyester) | Luxurious black velvet |
| Shape | Flat, square board | Soft, rounded, or multi-sided (4, 6, 8-sided) |
| Tassel Color | Varies by discipline, often black for general degrees | Almost exclusively gold bullion |
| Significance | General academic achievement | Highest academic achievement (Doctorate) |
The Significance of Academic Regalia
Academic regalia, including caps, gowns, and hoods, are steeped in centuries of tradition, originating from the ecclesiastical and monastic attire of medieval universities. They are worn during significant academic ceremonies such as:
- Graduation (Commencement): The most common occasion, celebrating the conferral of degrees.
- Investitures: Ceremonies for new university presidents or high-ranking officials.
- Convocations: Formal assemblies, often marking the beginning of the academic year.
These garments provide a visual representation of a scholar's dedication and achievements, connecting contemporary graduates to a long history of learning and academic pursuit. For more comprehensive information on academic dress, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia's page on Academic Dress.
Choosing Your Doctoral Regalia
When preparing for graduation or academic ceremonies, doctoral candidates and faculty members typically select regalia that adheres to their institution's specific guidelines. For those earning a PhD, opting for a velvet tam with a gold tassel is the traditional and most recognized choice.
- Purchase or Rental: Regalia can often be purchased or rented through university bookstores or specialized academic regalia suppliers.
- Institutional Specifics: While the velvet tam is standard for doctorates, specific universities may have unique details regarding colors or styles of their regalia, particularly for the doctoral hood.
- Comfort and Fit: Ensuring the tam fits comfortably is essential for long ceremonies.
