Poole Hooding Ceremony: Celebrating the history and future of Jenkins graduates

Every May since 1992, the faculty and staff of the Poole College of Management have celebrated the stellar achievements of graduating Jenkins program students. This Thursday, May 10, Poole continues that tradition –– by creating a new one –– with the inaugural Jenkins Graduate Hooding Ceremony.

Meymandi concert hall in downtown Raleigh (part of the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts) will host 254 graduating students and their guests Thursday at 2 p.m. This ceremony serves to compliment the upcoming commencement Saturday in PNC Arena while giving special recognition to Jenkins Graduate students in economics, accounting and business administration.

“The graduate hooding ceremony signifies an academic and personal achievement. The hood is a special part of the academic regalia that demonstrates scholarly and professional achievements, and it is reserved for individuals who have attained academic degrees beyond the bachelor’s degree,” said Annette L. Ranft, dean and Stephen P. Zelnak Chair at the Poole College of Management.

History of the hooding ceremony

The hooding ceremony, believed to have originated in European universities in the 12th century, was first instituted to recognize graduating students as they entered into their scholarly careers. Hooded robes, often required for warmth in unheated medieval libraries, were first used as a practical uniform for scholars as they studied and produced written works. With the introduction of the printing press in the 15th century, robes became largely symbolic. Universities began to differentiate students by their academic majors, and colors were added to the robes to signify those distinctions. Hoods later became detached ornaments, presented to graduates as part of their commencement.

Hoods are still used today to represent a commitment to a scholarly life. While modern day undergraduates wear robes and caps, those with masters or doctorate degrees are presented with hoods to show their continued pursuit of knowledge. Poole graduates on Thursday will be adorned with a light brown color (pictured above) that signifies their focus on management careers. These hoods are an expression of tradition and will be used to communicate the wearer’s school, degree, field, etc. for the rest of their lives.

Starting a new Jenkins tradition

Now in it’s 26th year, the Jenkins Graduate Program in the Poole College of Management has built a reputation as a leader in business school education. Dean Ranft, leading Poole since 2016, understands the contribution that graduate students have given over the years. In creating this ceremony, she hopes to highlight those efforts.

“We wanted to thank our graduate students for how they have enriched the college community during their time with us. From serving as teaching assistants to supporting groundbreaking faculty research to lending their talents to interdisciplinary project teams –– and much more –– they’ve enriched Poole College during their time here,” said Ranft.

“We also wanted to recognize those who supported them along the way as they moved through their studies to achieve their goals. For many of the families, graduate school was a team sport requiring dedication –– and sometimes sacrifices –– in pursuit of the end goal. This ceremony gives supporters a show of our appreciation for all that they have done to make this day a reality.”

The hooding ceremony is the beginning of commencement activities this week at the Poole College of Management. On Thursday faculty, staff and guests will recognize 3 doctoral degrees in economics, 1 master of science degree in economics, 10 master’s degrees in economics, 113 master’s degrees in accounting and 127 master’s degrees in business administration.

On Saturday, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, the official conferring of degrees will take place from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. This will include the 254 graduate students as well as 675 undergraduates.

Find more information regarding commencement events here.

This post was originally published in Poole College of Management News.