Jump to main content

Commencement Info for Faculty & Staff


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Join fellow staff and local alumni on May 3-4 and volunteer for UNC's Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies. Hospitality volunteers play a vital role in welcoming graduates, families and friends to campus for UNC's commencement ceremonies. Acting as campus ambassadors, volunteers help provide directions, assist staff and congratulate our newest alumni on this joyous occasion. Volunteers will receive a UNC quarter zip shirt, a hosted meal and snacks throughout the day.

Roughly 120 volunteers are needed this semester (30 per ceremony). 

SIGN UP NOW

Participate in the Ceremonies

All faculty, staff and alumni are invited to participate in Commencement. As witnesses to the conferring of degrees, the Bear Network is an integral part of congratulating and celebrating UNC’s newest alumni.

We invite you to join the celebrations as a way to show the students you’ve supported along the way that you’re proud of their accomplishments!

Student Speaks at Undergraduate Commencement

Faculty

Faculty may participate as deputy marshals directing graduates during the ceremony or as members of the academic procession. Each college dean's office has a supply of regalia to borrow, or regalia may be rented from Herff Jones.

SIGN UP NOW

Deputy Marshals and Academic Procession

Faculty are invited to represent their college as deputy marshals during the ceremonies. Deputy marshals direct degree candidates during the procession and throughout the ceremony and must attend one of two training sessions hosted at the end of the semester.

Doctoral Hooding

Hooding faculty should RSVP to Brendan Price in the Graduate School.

 

Deputy Marshal Roles

Deputy Marshal training will take place before the ceremonies.

Banner Bearers
One/College

Banner bearers carry the gonfalon for their college into the commencement ceremony. Banner bearers are selected by the college dean.

Escort Marshals
Four/Ceremony

There are two marshals to lead each column of graduates into and out of the ceremony, and at the appropriate time guide them up to the stage. 

Patrol Marshals
Two/Ceremony

One patrol marshal follows each column of graduates into the ceremony, and guides them to the appropriate seat after students cross the stage.

Faculty Marshal
One/Ceremony

A faculty marshal leads the academic procession into the ceremony and out of the ceremony.

Commencement Marshal Needed


Have you ever wondered how commencement comes to be? Do you enjoy the pageantry and pomp of commencement and want to be more involved?  Commencement marshals help make sure graduation ceremonies go off smoothly.

UNC is in need of a faculty member to serve as one of two commencement marshals. This is important university-wide service and much of the work for this service position occurs the week before and day of commencement.

Commitment: 

  • Represent faculty at periodic Commencement Committee meetings throughout the year. 
  • Lead deputy marshals in two online training sessions and one in person walk through during commencement week. 
  • Direct deputy marshals before, during and after each ceremony and handle unexpected circumstances.
  • Escort platform party to stage.

If you are interested in serving the university in this way, please contact Eli Klyde-Allaman at eli.klydeallaman@unco.edu or University Events at university.events@unco.edu.

Borrow UNC's Regalia

Each college dean’s office has a supply of regalia available for faculty to borrow, including a variety of hoods that correspond with UNC’s academic programs. Please contact your dean’s office to reserve regalia.

Rent

Faculty may place an order to rent regalia through UNC partner Herff Jones. Place a rental order

Purchase

Faculty who would like to purchase regalia to own may do so through Herff Jones. Place a regalia order

Student Speaks at Undergraduate Commencement