Professorial Robe at Karlsruhe Polytechnic

In 1913, the Baden State Ministry granted professors at Karlsruhe Polytechnic the right to wear a robe and bonnet on ceremonial occasions. This official attire, intended to convey imposing dignity, was inspired by medieval university practices. The Karlsruhe professorial robe, like the one shown here, was made of black cloth with green lapels, reflecting the Polytechnic’s colors. This regalia was the crowning achievement of a series of individually acquired symbols of university status. Following the bestowal of the right to confer doctorates in 1899, the rector was granted the right to be addressed as “Magnifizenz” (Latin: magnificentia) and soon afterwards came a large seal, a rectorial chain of office, and the honorable naming of Karlsruhe Polytechnic after the Grand Duke of Baden. The robes were initially worn for the annual handover of the rectorate and later for the annual academic festivities unrelated to rectorial changeovers. Professors wore their robes during the ceremonial event celebrating the Polytechnic’s centennial in 1925, held in the Courtyard of Honor. This tradition continued for the next celebratory occasion in 1950 as well. However, after 1968, at Karlsruhe University academic robes were no longer worn on ceremonial occasions. In 1974, Rector Heinz Draheim declared that “such outward displays should not unsettle the positive atmosphere at the university.” kn