Our history and traditions
Ceremony protocol and traditions
University Mace
Designed by Syilx artist Sheldon Louis, the University Mace is a symbol of the authority of the Chancellor.
Tuum est
Since 1915, the UBC graduation journey has been forged by the spirit of the university’s motto, Tuum Est, (meaning “it is yours”). Today, graduating classes continue to shape UBC’s history by making it their own.
“I admit you”
When graduating students are presented to the chancellor, he or she says “I admit you.” welcoming them to convocation, the body of graduates that elects the chancellor and some university senators.
Regalia colours
Hoods and gowns worn by graduates are lined with colours that indicate the university and degree to be conferred.
| Degree | Colour |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Decanel bonnet of maroon silk with gold cord and tassel |
| Graduate | Black |
| Undergraduate | Black |
| Degree | Colour |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Maroon with front panel and sleeves of university blue with gold piping |
| Graduate | Black |
| Undergraduate | Black |
The hood is a a long, flowing piece of fabric worn around the neck and draped over the shoulders.
| Degree | Colour |
|---|---|
| Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy | Blue silk outside with gold lining |
| M.A., Master of Arts | Fully lined university blue |
| M.A.Sc., Master of Applied Science | Fully lined scarlet |
| M.Ed., Master of Education | Fully lined white with university blue cord |
| M.Eng., Master of Engineering | Fully lined scarlet with dark blue cord |
| M.F.A., Master of Fine Arts | Fully lined university blue with magenta cord |
| M.M., Master of Management | Fully lined grey with black and gold cord |
| M.S.N., Master of Science in Nursing | Fully lined scarlet with blue and white cord |
| M.S.W., Master of Social Work | Fully lined magenta |
| M.Sc., Master of Science | Fully lined light blue |
| B.A., Bachelor of Arts | University blue |
| B.A.Sc., Bachelor of Applied Science | Scarlet |
| B.Ed., Bachelor of Education | White with university blue cord |
| B.F.A., Bachelor of Fine Arts | University blue with magenta cord |
| B.H.K., Bachelor of Human Kinetics | Malachite green |
| B.Mgt., Bachelor of Management | Light grey with black and gold cord |
| B.M.S., Bachelor of Media Studies | University blue |
| B.Nłek., Bachelor of NłeɁkepmx Language Fluency | University blue |
| B.N.L.F., Bachelor in Nsyilxcn Language Fluency | University blue |
| B.S.N., Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Scarlet with blue and white cord |
| B.Sc., Bachelor of Science | Light blue |
| B.Sust., Bachelor of Sustainability | Light blue |
Convocation history
One of the first graduating classes was the Arts Class of 1916, pictured at a party at the home of Mary Wilons.
1916
The first convocation
UBC’s first convocation ceremony took place on May 4, 1916 in the Hotel Vancouver ballroom. There were 41 graduates.
In UBC’s first year, there were only three faculties: Arts, Applied Science and Agriculture, with 379 registered students and 34 faculty members.
1919
Seeds for the future
The graduating class of 1919 plants their first tree, inaugurating the tree planting ceremony. This tradition continues today.
1927
Point Grey’s first
The first convocation ceremony at UBC’s new Point Grey campus was held in 1927.
1943
The university grows
In 1943, new President Norman MacKenzie began in earnest to expand the university, and new departments were formed along with new buildings to house them. These included Brock Hall, the first student union building.
2005
UBC Okanagan
UBC’s Okanagan campus was established in 2005 and in September of that year, 3,500 students started classes at the new institution alongside an opening ceremony celebrating the occasion.
UBC’s welcome in Syilx Okanagan territory was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding which pledged to build long-term, collaborative relations. Read about the MoU and more at Indigenous Engagement.
2006
UBCO’s first
UBC’s first convocation ceremony at UBC Okanagan took place on June 9, 2006.
2009
University Mace
UBC Okanagan’s University Mace is used for the first time at convocation. Created by Syilx artists Sheldon Louis and Justin Terbasket, the Mace features the three symbolic spirit icons and combines Okanagan Nation traditions with university customs.
2023
B.N.L.F.
The first cohort of students graduate from the Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency degree.
2025
20 years of UBCO
BC Okanagan celebrates 20 years. Groundbreaking research, learning through experience, and a deep sense of place define the campus’s past and future.