If you are planning to continue teaching at another university, we recommend purchasing your regalia. The custom gowns are designed to last a lifetime, so it’s a one-time investment and will save you from going through a rental process each semester. A good option for those who cannot make the investment right now is to purchase part of the regalia, and piece-meal your way into purchasing the entire set. Keep the hood from your initial hooding ceremony for a great a keepsake!
The last consideration is timing. When you purchase a gown, they are custom-made to order and will take 7-8 weeks to arrive. Rentals typically are available on a shorter timeline.