This article presents pertinent information regarding the symbolic significance and historic development of a common symbol that visually represents all of academia: regalia and commencement costumes. It also argues for an enhanced understanding of these important symbols and the diffusion of relevant information to the larger academic body of faculty, administration, students, alumni, and stakeholders. If colleges and universities are to continue the use of academic regalia, there must be a concerted effort to illustrate their importance, particularly if academic regalia is to maintain a hallmark status as the unofficial symbol for academia in general (i.e. the mortarboard, academic robes, graduate hoods, etc.).