5 Graduation Traditions At The College Of Charleston | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Graduation Traditions At The College Of Charleston

College of Charleston's graduation traditions are ones for the books.

1594
5 Graduation Traditions At The College Of Charleston
Hannah Cramer

Most people don't know how special College of Charleston's graduation ceremony is for those who experience it because it is unlike any other undergraduate commencement ceremony.

All colleges have certain traditions that they hold dear, but I personally think that College of Charleston's is the most unique and iconic graduations. There are so many different details about the College interwoven into these sacred traditions that it is a truly emotive experience.

The College of Charleston is one of the oldest colleges in America, dating back to 1770 with so much history under each and every brick on campus. During the spring commencement ceremony, you can feel that prestige and tradition around you while sitting underneath the live oak trees draped with Spanish moss.

1. We wear white, not the traditional cap and gown.

Most colleges wear caps and gowns for their spring commencement, but we don't. All the men who are graduating wear white dinner jackets and all the women graduating wear white dresses. There is a long-standing tradition for a few reasons. One reason is that having an outdoor event in Charleston during the month of May, it's hot. So, to follow the fashion etiquette of being able to wear white after Easter, graduating students also get a break from the heat by wearing white to reflect the sunlight.

2. Our location is unique.

College of Charleston's most iconic feature is Randolph Hall and the Cistern yard with iron fences, live oak trees, Spanish moss, and a truly amazing historic building. It's been the face of the College and the most recognizable part of campus, as well as having the opportunity to star in several movies. Also, it has attributed to College of Charleston being named America's Most Beautiful College Campus. It's everyone's favorite place on campus to walk through and the best place to hold graduation. A large stage is placed right in front of Randolph Hall, creating a beautiful background for your friends and family to watch you walk across the Cistern. It's the College's most important rite of passage.

3. Roses are a big part of the ceremony.

Each woman carries a bouquet of roses and men wear rose boutonnieres for the commencement ceremony. I'm not quite sure the significance of it, but it creates for beautiful photos and just adds to the package of the white attire.

4. Porters Lodge

On our first day at the College, students walk underneath the arch at Porters Lodge into the Cistern Yard for a reception and to sign the class ledger, which will be added to the long list of names of the people who have attended the College of Charleston. The arch is inscribed with the words "Know Thyself" in Greek letters. At the end of our time and at the end of graduation, students exit the Cistern Yard by passing under the same arch, knowing who we are and our purpose as we step out into the world as graduates.

5. A Charleston Affair

ONLY THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR. Every year it is held in the Cistern and encompasses the entire block of the heart of campus. It is a favorite campus tradition ever since it was first started. This night is only for graduating seniors and alumni to celebrate graduation while dressed to the nines. There is live music, an open bar, and so much food. The party lasts well into the night and most underclassmen walk by the iron fences dreaming about attending one day.

These are only a few of the traditions that are apart of the College of Charleston, but they are the most important. I've been waiting for my day in white and it's hitting me like a train. I can't believe I have been here for four years and my time is almost up. I'm so lucky to go to a college that has amazing traditions and such a beautiful ceremony. You better believe I'll be crying tears of joy and sadness as I walk under that sacred archway. These past four years have taught me so much and I can confidently say that without going to the College of Charleston, I wouldn't "Know Thyself."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
coffee

It's finally flu season! It's around that time in the school year where everyone on campus is getting sick, especially if they live in the dorms. It's hard to take care of yourself while being sick at school, but here are some coping mechanisms to get you on the path to feeling better!

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

The Battle Between College And My Mental Health

College isn't easy, and I'm afraid I'm not going to make it at the rate my mental health is going.

392
woman sitting on black chair in front of glass-panel window with white curtains
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Everyone tells you that college is hard, but they fail to explain why. Sure, classes are hard. Math sucks, and political science can be so boring. But that's not even what's killing me about college. What's killing me about college is my deterioating mental health.

As a college student, I feel as if people don't understand just how exhausted I, and fellow college students are. We have so many things going on, all the time, and sometimes it's hard to explain to people how we feel. Personally...I'm tired. I'm sad. And I'm struggling every single day with my emotions. But the thing is, it hasn't always been this way. I haven't always hated school, so why am I feeling like this now?

Keep Reading...Show less
manager

For the average 20-something, life moves pretty fast. You’ve got classes, friends, relationships, jobs, family, and whatever else we overcommit ourselves with. I probably should have learned to say no to adding more to my schedule a long time ago, but instead here are 11 things that can be more helpful than coffee.

Keep Reading...Show less
Parks And Rec
NBC

Your professor mentions there's a test in a few days and you didn't know about it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

Resting b***h face. Defined as a person, usually a girl, who naturally looks mean when her face is expressionless, without meaning to. Many of you suffer from this "condition." You are commonly asked what's wrong, when nothing is. What people don't know is that is just your facial expression. Here are some things they wish you knew.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments