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Student handbook (Table of contents) (On-line forms) |
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC") The
MAC student handbook: So, the big day has finally arrived and you're about to graduate. What can you expect on this day of days? There are actually three separate ceremonies that make up the overall graduation ceremony. The first of these, the "Baccalaureate" takes place the Friday evening prior to the formal graduation in the monastery chapel (so seating for family members and friends is limited). The Baccalaureate is a combination of an educational assembly and a Catholic religious observance. If you are Catholic, the Baccalaureate should feel very familiar. Even if you aren't Catholic, don't let the religious aspects throw you or scare you. A large percentage of students who attend are not Catholic, yet they find the service very interesting and enjoyable. There is a detailed program that let's you know exactly what's coming, step-by-step. And, be assured, you will not be asked to do anything that compromises any of your own beliefs or values. The main purpose of the Baccalaureate is to
"hood you." That may need some explanation. As you likely know, you will be wearing
black
gowns that represent centuries-old traditions of academic regalia (or
clothing). The academic regalia
dates back to European universities in the Middle Ages, when gowns and
hoods were required for warmth in unheated buildings. Gowns were fur-lined
adaptations of the priestly toga, and
The regalia now serve as a visible reminder of the historic
antecedents of intellectual pursuits. In
American universities of the late nineteenth century, these medieval
costumes were revived to lend color to academic
regalia. Efforts were made to establish a code that would set standards
for academic regalia. On the left, is a photo of the MAC Director, Dr.
Godfrey Ellis, displaying
a master's level hood that he will place over the head of Hai Weeks, a new
MAC On the right, Dr. Ellis places the hood over her head. As you can see, she doesn't even need to take off the traditional mortar-board hat or "Oxford cap" that she's wearing. The hood is really more like a large collar that hangs down the back. The hood has the greatest symbolism of all
parts of the academic clothing. The masters hoods were originally
trimmed in fur, but now have satin borders. Medieval universities were much concerned with rank
and the hoods portrayed the academic distinctions of
the On the left, Hai Weeks has now been "hooded." Strictly speaking, she would not be allowed to wear that hood until it had been officially placed upon her by someone having authority to do so. At Saint Martin's University, that is the President, Dr. David Spangler, although Dr. Ellis will be there to help in that ceremony. In fact, the whole purpose of the Baccalaureate is for the Director of the MAC Program and the President of Saint Martin's University to ceremoniously place the hood upon you. The placing of the hood symbolizes the granting of the degree marking you as someone who has earned the right to be called a "master" in the field of counseling psychology. Graduating students and faculty generally meet in the first floor of Old Main (if raining) or outside in the courtyard (if it's sunny) dressed in their academic robe and hat and carrying their hoods. They then march across the courtyard and into the Abbey Chapel where the monastic community and visiting guests are already assembled. After a short ceremony and one or two short speeches, David Spangler, the president of the University begins to hood the undergraduates. When it comes time for the MAC students, the Director of the MAC Program will be called up to assist in the hooding and to shake your hand in congratulations. |
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Email contact: (MAC@stmartin.edu) |
hoods
were worn to protect the head
of the priest. 
graduate.
wearers.
The color of the border of the hood indicates the field of study; the lining color
identifies the
institution that conferred the degree.