J. (Joseph) Wells
The Oxford Degree Ceremony
"The Oxford Degree Ceremony" by J. Wells is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the rich traditions and formalities surrounding the degree ceremony at the University of Oxford, exploring how these rituals encapsulate aspects of university history. The author aims to illuminate the meaning and significance of these ceremonies, providing insights into the layers of academic and social culture at Oxford. The opening of the text vividly describes the atmosphere of Oxford during a degree day, with a lively depiction of the participants dressed in their academic robes and the procession led by the Vice-Chancellor. It sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the rituals involved in conferring degrees, such as the procession, the roles of various university officials including the Proctors and the Registrar, and the traditional languages used during the ceremony. The reader is introduced to the intricacies of the degree ceremony—highlighting not only its ceremonial nature but also its historical roots and significance in the context of Oxford's legacy.