Regalia Interchange

Article by: Richard E. Farmer, Ed.D.

Since it is almost that time of year with academic convocations and graduations fast approaching, I thought you might be interested in an idea that I am trying to pursue with regard to Academic Robes. Having recently retired after 45 years of proudly wearing my academic robes, I faced the dilemma of what to do with them.  To the rescue was my Alma Mater Boston University who enthusiastically accepted them to pass on to a graduating doctoral student.

So, I thought that perhaps I have hit upon a “good idea” since many of us retired senior administrators or professors also face the exact same problem. Why not set up a trading system that allows one to avoid that terrible thought of discarding these sacred symbols of academe. 

Regalia Interchange is a complimentary service that seeks to link individuals who no longer have a need for their academic regalia with those who have or will just receive their doctoral degree. As a former college president, graduate dean, and tenured full professor, I have been struck by the thought of what to do with my academic robes now that I have retired and will no longer need them. Have you ever wondered what you would do with your academic robes when you no longer have a need for them? If you are like many, the mere thought of throwing them away or giving them to a charitable organization somehow dishonors one’s academic life and experience. 

The service is designed to link those with doctoral level robes to those in need of the regalia. On a case by case basis, the service will introduce those who own doctoral robes with those who are in need of the robe and who have graduated from the same institution, academic structure and/or degree program.

This is a free service to the professoriate. The organization does not charge you and you may not charge the individual to whom you will send your robes. The recipient of the robe is expected to pay the postage or shipping charges.

Regalia Interchange assumes no responsibility for the quality, condition, or accuracy of the robe nor the recipient or owner. Regalia owners are encouraged to enclose a note to the recipient commenting on the personal meaning of the robe and the honor of wearing of them with dignity knowing that they symbolized both one’s deep commitment as an academic and one’s pride having graduated from the University. 

If you are interested, perhaps you might consider forwarding this article to members of both the current and retired faculty. Also, you might consider posting it so that your graduate students see this unique opportunity for sharing in the academic legacy.

In the event that you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at [email protected].