Bay Path University

Academic Regalia American academic dress originated at medieval British universities in the ninth century. e gown is normally black, although several colleges and universities have authorized optional gowns in the institution's colors. e cut of the gown indicates the level of the degree. e bachelor's gown is simple and recognized by its long, pointed sleeves. e master's gown is fuller, and its sleeves are square at the ends. e gown for the doctor's degree is more elaborate, cut full with velvet down the front and around the neck of the gown. e sleeves are bell shaped and decorated with three horizontal chevrons. e hood is the most distinctive feature of academic regalia. It was originally used as a shoulder cape and as a receptacle in which to collect alms. e length of the hood and width of its velvet border indicate the level of the degree. e color of the border indicates the field of study in which the degree was earned, and the inner lining bears the official colors of the institution that conferred the degree. e distinguishing feature of the cap is the color of the tassel, which is black for holders of bachelor's and master's degrees, and may be gold for the doctor's degree and the governing officers of educational institutions. Trustees are entitled to wear the doctor's gown. e hood represents the highest degree held by the wearer. e University Seal and Colors e University Mace e official ceremonial mace carried by the Faculty Marshal was carved in birch by D. Irving Conrad and given as a gift to the university in 1980. e mace is symbolic of the power and authority held by the Board of Trustees in institutions of higher learning. e Presidential Medallion and Chain of Office e presidential medallion features the Bay Path University seal. Smaller medallions make up the chain and are inscribed with the names of the six presidents of Bay Path University. e Bay Path University seal encompasses the name of the University within a circle. In the center there is an hourglass backed by a scroll containing the Latin words, "Carpe Diem." Translated into English as "Seize the Day", this phrase was first used on the seal of Bay Path Institute. e words are taken from a poem by Horace which begins, "Even now, while we are talking, our life's time flies by..." e hourglass, symbol of the passage of time and of the shortness of life, was added to the seal in 1949. e original seal of Bay Path Institute was maroon and gold. e university colors today are maroon, which stands for steadfastness, and white, which stands for knowledge.

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