What is academic regalia

Academic regalia is the name used to describe the formal attire that faculty members wear during official academic events, such as commencement ceremonies, convocations, or graduations. Usually, each component of one's academic regalia will tell a part of their academic story - through the colours and designs, you can usually gauge the wearer's highest academic credentials, the discipline they study or teach, as well as the institution affiliation.

Components of academic regalia

In order to understand why academic regalia is so important for faculty members, let's first have a look at the essential components of academic regalia: 

Gowns

Gowns are the most easily recognisable part of one's academic regalia, and can be worn over any graduation-appropriate attire. Everyone from graduates to faculty members gets to wear this iconic garment, though the design may differ depending on the wearer's highest academic qualifications and institution.

  • Bachelor's gown - this type of gown has the simplest design, as it is usually a long, black gown with no other adornments.
  • Master's gown - this one is somewhat similar to a Bachelor's gown, except the sleeves are longer with a slot at elbow level, and the long base of the sleeve hanging down.
  • Doctoral gown - the gowns worn by PhD holders are the most elaborate. You will usually see bell-shaped sleeves as well as brighter colours. The gown is not black like the other two, and instead will be worn in a colour that symbolises the wearer's discipline. It's not uncommon to also include a distinctive mark of the institution where they achieved their qualifications.

Caps

When we're talking about graduation caps, there are two common options:

  • Mortarboard - the iconic black square cap. Wearing it is most common among Bachelor's and Master's holders and can instil a great sense of accomplishment for the wearer.
  • A Tam or Bonnet - this one is most often seen worn by doctoral holders. It is a large soft velvet beret adorned with a coloured cord tassel in many cases - the colours vary depending on the academic qualifications.

Graduation hood

This part of one's academic regalia is perhaps the most important, as its design tells the story of the wearer's academic journey.

  • Bachelor's hood - this one is usually the shortest, and will have a simple cut and little decoration, frequently the discipline in represented by a particular combination of outer and lining colours.

  • Master's hood - longer than a Bachelor's hood, with a little more adornment than the bachelors hoods, again the combination of outer and lining colours symbolise one's discipline

  • Doctoral hood - the most elaborate type of graduation good. The colours of the lining and trim will often represent one's academic discipline. Designs are often unique to the institution.

Other types of academic regalia

Various members of faculty will wear slightly differing regalia to signify their important contributions to their institution. It is important to mention that most universities will have their own unique traditions and variations to the academic regalia worn during official academic events.



Reasons why faculty members choose to wear academic regalia

There is a lot of history and tradition associated with academic regalia for faculty members, but many don't realise just how important this garment can be. So, why should faculty members wear academic regalia?


Sense of accomplishment

Normally, University faculty will wear doctoral robes associated with their academic qualifications, areas of expertise, as well as the institutions they represent. Usually, this means that their robes will indicate the institution they received their qualifications from, rather than the institution they are currently working with. 


Wearing this garment allows faculty to showcase the immense amounts of effort that went into their academic journey, telling a visual story of their own accomplishments. This way, they get to celebrate their own academic success, and feel an immense sense of pride as they watch the new generation succeed.

A way to distinguish themselves from students

Graduations are not just an event for students nearing the end of their current life stage. They are a celebration for the entire academic community.

By participating in graduation ceremonies in traditional attire, faculty members can attest to the essential role they have played in the intellectual and professional development of their students. 

A symbol of prestige

Wearing academic regalia can add a sense of tradition and prestige to the graduation ceremony. By simply attending, faculty members help preserve the formal and professional atmosphere of this important event - and academic regalia is here to help them do that in a way that represents them and their accomplishments.

By following tradition, faculty members also showcase their utmost support and dedication to preserving the core values of higher education.


Premium academic regalia for faculty at Armstrong & Oxford

Here at Armstrong & Oxford we offer gown hire for faculty members that want to follow tradition and add to the prestige of their next graduation ceremony. If you're ready to showcase your best academic achievements, visit our website or contact us for more information on finding the perfect graduation attire today.