It was truly an honor to have been selected by the Dean of the School of Education and Associate Provost to serve as Commencement Marshal for the Winter 2012 and Spring 2013 undergraduate graduation ceremonies.
Faculty may be nominated as Commencement Marshals by each of the three school Deans based on their accomplishments within their professional organizations that guide his or her field of study. Selection is also based on faculty contributions to one’s individual School and to the University.
My department, “Wellness & Sport Sciences,” is part of the School of Education. The two other undergraduate schools include the School of Math and Science and the School of Humanities. In total, six faculty are recognized with the honor of leading their students during graduation — a role designated as “distinguished faculty member” by the University.
In addition to my selection as a commencement marshal, I regularly participate in the faculty processional as shown above, (in sunglasses) chatting with Dr. Foster-Clark.
In 2010 and again in 2011, I was selected by the University Provost, (and endorsed by the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and the School of Education Dean) to represent my school as faculty reader and member of the Platform party at the Honors and Awards Convocation. I have also served during the Master’s degree commencement ceremonies, a different event generally held the evening before undergraduate commencement.
For clarification purposes, Commencement is a term used to describe graduation ceremonies. In higher education, academic degrees are formally conferred by the University President during commencement exercises. Faculty and administrators wear full regalia and hats with tassels called a mortarboard or doctoral tam. During the commencement ceremony, marshals help with student regalia, lining-up, seating, distributing programs and materials, answering questions ranging from parking to “what is this scarf thing?” Marshals serve an important role in keeping the commencement ceremony sacred.
Convocation generally refers to an awards ceremony or some other special academic-related festivity. Each year, Millersville University holds a prestigious Honors and Awards Convocation attended by students, faculty, staff, and administrators; along with invited guests and family members. The MU Convocation is held in the Spring semester about two weeks before Commencement. However, academic regalia is not worn for this event.
Shown below are some photos and documents from various convocations and commencement ceremonies that I have participated.
