The wearing of academic costume is a tradition from the Middle Ages. At UBC the undergraduate’s and Master’s gown are black. The PhD regalia consist of a maroon silk gown and sleeves with blue and gold piping.
1916
The year of UBC’s first graduation, held in the Hotel Vancouver ballroom for 41 graduates
28
The number of spring ceremonies held this year to confer degrees to all of UBC’s graduating students in Vancouver and the Okanagan
7,500
The number of graduates, and handshakes UBC Chancellor Sarah Morgan-Sylvester gives when handing out degrees during spring ceremonies
75
The average duration in minutes for each ceremony
12
The number of staff, in addition to the dozens of volunteers who plan and organize the ceremonies