Traditions & Regalia | Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Traditions & Regalia

University Mace

The mace was originally a weapon during the medieval period, and came to be associated with the prowess and strength of the knight. Today, the mace is a symbol of the University's authority to award degrees and diplomas. It indicates the seriousness of Convocation as the University's most important academic ceremony, and is a confirmation of the University's integrity as an academic institution. The mace is carried by a mace-bearer, who leads the processional of faculty and students into and out from the venue where Convocation is held. The mace is usually between four feet and six feet in length and will incorporate the history and tradition that surround the vision for the University. An academic mace symbolizes the authority vested in the Chancellor to confer university credentials. This is why the mace is an integral part of Convocation. Maces are often commissioned to commemorate a milestone anniversary or presidential inauguration. Typically an artist is selected for the honour to develop a highly symbolic design that incorporates the university's traditions.

KPU's mace was carved by Kwantlen First Nation artist Drew Atkins. Atkins was born in Victoria, B.C. He started carving long before he ever touched a knife to wood. As a young boy he spent many afternoons watching some of the early Masters carve at the Royal History Museum's Totem Pole Park in Victoria, planting a seed that would take root much later in life. Atkins apprenticed under renowned Master Carver Xwa-lack-tun (Rick Harry) for eight years working on many projects together.

Atkins has worked for the Langley School District as an Indigenous support worker and as an instructor in carving at Brookswood Secondary. Atkins and his wife Phyllis, a renowned painter and jeweller, established K'wy'i'ye Spring Salmon Studio at the Kwantlen First Nation. Atkins' work may also be seen in Fort Langley's Spirit Square where his large cedar panel carvings connect the Spirit Square with the National Historic Site and Museum.

Indigenous Language

KPU is committed to advancing reconciliation and weaving Indigenous knowledge, values, and representation into the institution. Embedding the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language in parchments is one more way the university is encouraging various communities to learn the traditional language of the territories and respect the land-based Nations. The hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language is being included in more places around KPU. It can already be found at student service counters, and on campus building signs, and is being added to some institutional documents.

To learn more about Indigenization at KPU, visit kpu.ca/indigenous.

University Regalia

Standard for Academic Dress

At Kwantlen Polytechnic University, all graduates wear a black gown of Oxford shape and a black cap, or mortar board. All students wear a black tassel on their mortar board, and the tassel hangs to the left of the cap. Graduates of our bachelor's degree Programs wear hoods in the Aberdeen style, made of black pilgrim cloth and bordered with a one-half inch border. The border of each hood is a specific colour that identifies a particular area of study.

Honorary Degree Recipients

All Honorary degree recipients wear a black gown of an Oxford shape and a black cap, or mortar board with a black tassel with a custom removable cover featuring the circle Salmon and Wolf Art in Charcoal and Grey. Honorary graduates are provided a custom hood by KPU featuring the circle Salmon and Wolf Art in Charcoal and Grey.

Board of Governors

The Board Chair wears a maroon gown made of pilgrim cloth with bell sleeves, black velvet panels down the front, and gold piping. Members of the Board of Governors wear a black gown of Oxford shape with a two-colour satin vee stole in maroon and silver metallic.

Faculty and Other Platform Party Members

Regalia provided to faculty and/or platform party members are of the University of Manitoba standard, as provided by our Canadian regalia provider, Gaspard & Sons located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Faculty and platform party members who do not have a degree may wear Kwantlen's designated satin stole in maroon.

Select Credential Type to View Graduate Regalia

Graduate Diplomas and Certificates 

Post Baccalaureate Diplomas

Bachelor's Degrees

ASSOCIate Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and Citations

Related Links