WVU Potomac State College Seal
The official seal of the College is an adaptation of the state seal of West Virginia.
Academic and Student Maces
The Academic Mace is a symbolic tradition that originated during the Middle Ages. The mace is tapped three times to signify the beginning of the ceremony. The honor of carrying the mace and leading the procession is given to the faculty member recognized as Outstanding Professor of the Year.
In addition to symbolizing authority and scholarship, each component of the mace is customized to represent an aspect of the College’s rich heritage and history.
The Student Mace is a smaller, more modern version of the College’s Academic Mace, to be carried each year by the Outstanding Student.
Academic Regalia
The history of the academic regalia worn today at American college exercises dates back in its essential features to the Middle Ages. The oldest universities of northern Europe evolved from ecclesiastical institutions, and during the early days, both faculty and students were regarded as part of the clergy. Hence, they wore clerical garb, largely borrowed from the monastic dress of their day, not merely on special occasions, but as their regular costume.
The head-covering of the academic costume developed from the skullcap worn by the clergy in cold weather to protect their tonsured heads. In the universities this skullcap acquired a point on top, which gradually evolved into a tassel. The bonnet with tassel is still worn by some; however, for the most part it has been replaced by the more familiar mortarboard.
The gown worn today seems to have been borrowed from the habit worn by Benedictine monks. No trimming is found on the bachelor’s and master’s gowns. For those holding doctoral degrees, the gown is faced down the front and trimmed on the sleeves with velvet.