What is a hooding ceremony?

I have always been intrigued by this event called 'the hooding ceremony' since I began my student life in UiTM about 3 years ago. This term always come to my attention and 'pops out' during the UiTM convocation ceremony.

Yesterday I saw a post on the hooding ceremony (again) when my other half was browsing through IPSis UiTM's FB page. IPSis wrote that 52 PhD graduates had successfully completed their studies in UiTM and will receive their scroll in the 81st convocation ceremony.

Picture take from IPSis UiTM's Facebook page

Another picture take from IPSis UiTM's Facebook page

Now, what is a hooding ceremony?

It is simply a ceremony held for students graduating with a master’s or PhD degree. The placing of the hood signifies the passage from student to 'master's' or ‘PhD'. The hooding ceremony and recognition of students’ accomplishments draw attention to the scholarly and the personal achievements of the candidates for graduation who have completed their advance degree requirements. A hooding ceremony does not replace commencement exercises, but rather, compliments commencement with a more intimate occasion. 

(Source: The University of Tampa)

In UiTM, this special event is only for PhD graduates. It is usually held at the Grand Bluewave Hotel, Shah Alam. It aims to celebrate the successful completion of the graduates' doctoral studies. All the PhD graduates along with their respective supervisor and co-supervisor are gathered together. Graduates will walk on stage with their supervisor and be hooded with a standing ovation from the floor.

InsyaAllah I will be a part of this historical and momentous event. Oh Allah, please ease my path to graduation. Ameen. 

Happy faces of the 52 PhD graduates of the 81st Convocation ceremony in UiTM on 22nd November 2013