Sunday, June 3

I will tell you about one of the Oxford traditions that I have learned about.  It has to do with the academic side of things.  The University's coat of arms shows a heavy book with seven clasps opened to reveal the earliest motto which was Veritas Vos Liberabit "The truth will set you free" John 8:32.  The current motto is Dominus Illuminatio Mea "The Lord is my light" Psalms 27:1.

The academic year is divided into three terms.  Michaelmas term runs from October to December.  Hilary term runs from January to March.  Trinity term spans April to July.  Each of these terms has an eight-week period called Full Term, which represents the main undergraduate teaching period.

Matriculation, usually held in the Sheldoian Theatre celebrates a student's formal enrollment in the University.  Until 1995, candidates for admission had to sit for an entrance examination and undergo an interview.  Today, students no longer must take the entrance exams but must have excellent grades at A-level and they are interviewed by at least one college.

Oxford University has been bestowing academic degrees from the 12th century!  Graduation degrees are awarded personally by the Vice-Chancellor in the Sheldonian Theatre.  The ceremony, which is in Latin, retains all its ancient formality.

Academic dress for the undergraduates:  black commoner's gowns, which are short and sleeveless, with a pleated streamer at each side.  Stiff square black caps (like we are familiar with) are worn on the head.  Scholar's gowns are longer, reaching to the knees.  Under the gowns, they must wear black and white clothes.  The picture that is coming soon will show students in their exam wear.  They will not be able to take the exam unless they show up in the correct clothing.  The guys have on black suits, white shirts and a white bow tie.  The girls wear black skirts, white shirts and a black string tie around the neck.  They wear different colored carnations on the robe lapel.  I am not sure yet what the different colors mean yet.

This information was taken from the University of Oxford Official Guide by Christina Hardyment.

Have a great day!  Tonight I will be attending St. Aldate's Church at 6 p.m.

Mae Ann