Welcome to academic-regalia.org!

To show we're scholars
we wear funny hats. Don't laugh -
now you wear one too.

- Daniel Shartin, Professor of Philosophy, Worcester State College in his address to the Class of 2008 at their Senior Capping ceremony, 21 October 2007

The intention is for this site to become an encyclopedia of academic regalia from around the world.

What is "Academic Regalia"? Well, most people recognize academic regalia as the caps and gowns worn at graduation ceremonies. At the undergraduate level and below, there is not much variety, but at the graduate level, a person's regalia tells you something about them and the school they attended. Academic regalia also includes chains and medallions worn by officers of an institution (most often presidents and chancellors) as well as maces and staffs carried by marshals.