NUS Academic Dress: A Symbol of Prestige and Tradition

The National University of Singapore (NUS) academic dress is a distinctive and elegant attire that represents the university's rich history and academic excellence. It is worn by NUS graduates and academics at formal ceremonies and events, such as graduation, convocation, and faculty meetings.

Historical Evolution of NUS Academic Dress

The origins of NUS academic dress can be traced back to the colonial era, when Singapore was a British colony. In 1905, the King Edward VII College of Medicine, which later became the Faculty of Medicine of NUS, adopted academic dress based on the model of the University of London. This dress consisted of a black gown, a mortarboard cap, and a black scarf with a red border.

After Singapore gained independence in 1965, NUS sought to create its own unique academic dress that would reflect its national identity. In 1968, the university adopted a new design that incorporated elements of both Western and Asian traditions.

Design Features of NUS Academic Dress

The NUS academic dress comprises several key elements:

• Gown: A black gown made from a fine wool fabric. The gown is tailored to fit the wearer and features pleats and gathers on the front.
• Cap: A mortarboard cap made from black velvet. The cap is decorated with a gold tassel and the NUS crest.
• Scarf: A long, rectangular scarf made from black silk. The scarf is worn around the neck and has a red border.
• Hood: A colored hood that denotes the faculty or degree of the wearer. The hood is worn over the gown and cap.

Use of NUS Academic Dress

NUS academic dress is worn at various formal ceremonies and events, including:

• Graduation: Graduates of NUS wear academic dress at their graduation ceremony to receive their degrees.
• Convocation: NUS holds an annual convocation ceremony at which honorary degrees are conferred upon distinguished individuals. At this ceremony, academic staff and graduates wear academic dress.
• Faculty Meetings: Academic staff wear academic dress at faculty meetings and other formal academic gatherings.

The Significance of NUS Academic Dress

The NUS academic dress holds significant value for the university and its members. It:

• Symbolizes Academic Achievement: The dress represents the academic excellence and accomplishments of NUS graduates and academics.
• Honors Tradition: The dress connects NUS to its historical roots and academic legacy.
• Fosters a Sense of Community: Academic dress creates a sense of unity and belonging among NUS graduates and academics.
• Inspires Pride: Wearing academic dress fills graduates and academics with a sense of pride in their affiliation with NUS.

Contemporary Applications of NUS Academic Dress

In addition to its traditional use at formal ceremonies, NUS academic dress has also found application in contemporary contexts.

NUS Day: Every year, NUS celebrates its founding on NUS Day. During this event, members of the NUS community wear academic dress to commemorate the university's achievements and showcase its vibrant academic culture.

National Day Parade: NUS academics and students participate in the annual National Day Parade in Singapore. On this occasion, they wear academic dress to represent the university and contribute to the national celebration.

Cultural Exchange Programs: NUS academic dress is showcased at cultural exchange programs and international conferences. This helps promote NUS's academic reputation and fosters global collaborations.

Exploration of a New Word: "Academicia"

The term "academia" is commonly used to refer to the scholarly world or an institution of higher education. However, in the context of NUS academic dress, the word can be expanded to encompass a new field of application.

Coining the Word "Academic Regalia":

We propose coining the word "academic regalia" to describe the specific attire worn by academics and graduates at formal ceremonies. This term would differentiate academic dress from other types of ceremonial clothing, such as religious or military uniforms.

Expanding the Field of Application:

The concept of academic regalia can be applied to a wider range of institutions and organizations beyond NUS. For example, it can be adopted by other universities, research institutes, and learned societies worldwide.

Achieving Feasibility: The Role of Collaboration

To achieve the feasibility of using "academic regalia" as a new word, collaboration among the following stakeholders is essential:

• Universities and Academic Institutions: Universities and academic institutions should adopt the term "academic regalia" in their official communications and dress codes.
• Academic Societies and Organizations: Academic societies and organizations should promote the use of the term at conferences, workshops, and other events.
• Media and Publishers: Media outlets and publishers should use the term "academic regalia" in articles, books, and other publications.

Informative Tables

Table 1: Color Coding of NUS Academic Hoods

Table 2: Use of NUS Academic Dress at Formal Ceremonies

Table 3: Evolution of NUS Academic Dress

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of NUS academic dress?

NUS academic dress represents the university's academic excellence, honors tradition, fosters a sense of community, and inspires pride.

2. When is NUS academic dress worn?

Academic dress is worn at graduation ceremonies, convocation, faculty meetings, and other formal academic events.

3. What are the key elements of NUS academic dress?

The key elements are the gown, cap, scarf, and hood.

4. What does the color of the hood signify?

The hood color denotes the faculty or degree of the wearer.

5. Can individuals who are not affiliated with NUS wear academic dress?

No, academic dress is reserved for NUS graduates and academics.

6. What is the significance of the gold tassel on the mortarboard cap?

The gold tassel symbolizes academic achievement and distinction.

7. Why is the scarf worn around the neck?

The scarf represents the wearer's connection to the NUS community and the broader academic world.

8. How can I learn more about NUS academic dress?

You can visit the NUS Office of Registrar for more information and guidelines.