In the bachelor robe the front shows the red color of the University in a shoulder-chest cut made of dark red velvet with a horizontal cut in the front, symbolizing the horizon, as what is still ahead.
At the back view of the heavy silk black robe there is the Pythagoras reference through a triangle that is still not a hood but it is already a symbol of the Academia.
The sleeves are based on the XVI century sleeves and the blue satin inside indicates the Faculty color, while the single gold strap at the cuff shows the lower rank of bachelor.

The master robe in front shows the first symbol of transculturalism. A semi-circle in red, showing a near perfection stage (circle being the symbol of Heaven in China) while at the back, the early Pythagorean reference to the triangle is now a real hood, symbol of more advanced scholarship.
The hood has direct reference to the roots of knowledge as in monks who were scribes. Instead of a very stylized and loose meaning I resuscitated the hood, in velvet as well.
The sleeves show another Faculty color and the cuffs now show two gold straps as rank progresses.

The professor rank is shown with a full symbolic transcultural reference.
First the rounded front with a gold trimming.
Secondly, based on the Chinese ribbon, a draped red velvet starts from one side of the chest, goes around the back as a rounded form of symbolic cross-over and then reappears on the other side of the chest.
In its meaning, one of the sides of the chest represents the West, while the other represents the East. The cross-over on the back shows simultaneously a rounded symbolic hood (circle as symbol of perfection and hood as symbol of scholarship) over the Pythagorean triangle reference.
The Faculty color is again represented as another option of colors, while the cuff shows three gold straps as rank sign.

Placed together we can see the evolution of shapes.
I am convinced that through these symbolic references and shapes it was possible to preserve all the dignity of the Academic Regalia, yet innovate enough to create a specific identity to these robes under a transcultural concept.

The Rector is the head of the University's Academic body. In such case he wears the robe of the University which is toppled by a yellow-gold  wide round top (sobrepeliz) in front, again reminding of perfection, while on the back the circle is intersected by the triangle. On top the Rector will wear the necklace of office as symbol of his role.

The Vice-Rector will have the same garments as the Rector and will be distinguishable by its gray-silver like wide round top. There must be a similarity in the symbology and meaning.

The Chancellor is the embodiment of the Authority that designates the Rector. Not belonging to the Academic Circle, the Chancellor will be dressed through different authority symbols. The large yellow collar is representative of a different power, from outside the University, and it is based on the 17th. century wide collar to which shoulder pads have been added in an effort to provide a complement of a different power. Yellow gold is again used as a symbol of power.

The Powers that compose the University are now lined-up for a better understanding of the entire grouping.

The Mace-Bearer wears a garment that is cushioned like an armour and is tailored to fit the body closer at the waist. He will be carrying the Mace that symbolizes the Power to Invest. The colours of the University are always present, while the groups of buttons create an activity and are also a symbol of the three degrees achievable in a University.

Finally the Usher who is the officer or Master of Ceremonies. He will be carry a stick similar to a band leader's, and will invite and lead the members of the University throughout the ceremonies of the University.
The Usher will be wearing a short cape with the colors of the University. It is sewn in front lengthwise. In the back it will have a draped triangular shape, as a reference to the University. It is a link to the University, yet the length is that of an acolyte in the Ecclesial symbolism meaning an aid to the ceremonies, exogenous to the Academic body.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECTOR'S NECKLACE

Concept by - ARS CIVES