ACADEMIC PROTOCOL AND PROCESSION

The Procession

Traditions relating to the academic procession of the university date from practices established in the academies and universities of Western Europe in the Middle Ages. At William Woods University, the procession is headed by the Marshal of the faculty, followed by the candidates for undergraduate degrees, candidates for graduate degrees, unranked faculty and staff, full-time faculty according to rank, professors emeriti, platform guests, and the President of the University.

The Ivy Ceremony

Although the actual history of the William Woods University Ivy Ceremony remains a mystery, common belief is that early senior classes first planted ivy on campus during special graduation programs. Since then, the planting ritual has evolved into an ivy ceremony in the fall for new students and an ivy chain processional in the spring for graduating seniors.

Participation in the Ivy Ceremonies bonds students to the traditions held fast in the hearts of all William Woods University alumni. As the ivy entwines itself, so will their lives be entwined with the lives of those around them. Every student on the William Woods campus is linked inextricably by the ivy bond, which symbolizes the development of friendships, goals, and common purposes. At graduation, the ivy chain will be severed, signifying that students are embarking on the next phase of their lives. However, ties to their alma mater will continue throughout their lifetime as an alumnus of William Woods University.

The Marshal

The Marshal is elected by the faculty to serve for the remainder of his/her tenure at William Woods University. The Marshal is responsible for all matters related to academic protocol and is charged with the organization and regulation of all academic processions and ceremonies. The Marshal’s regalia is unique to the institution and specially designed for the office.

The Mace

The ceremonial mace is the official symbol of the University. It is presented to the President by the Marshal to indicate that the University is assembled.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President grants permission for the Marshal to lift the mace to signify that the recession may begin. The assemblage shall stand and remain standing whenever the mace is in transit.

Flags and Torches

The American flag customarily is displayed during all academic convocations. Two ceremonial torches symbolize the light of knowledge and indicate the way of the academic procession.