COMMENCEMENT ATTENDANCE

Effective: August 15, 2024

Purpose: To provide guidance on faculty attendance at commencement ceremonies.

Scope: This policy applies to all University faculty campus wide.

Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Policy Statement: Emporia State University holds four commencement exercises each year; undergraduate (baccalaureate) ceremonies in December and May, and graduate (masters, specialist, and doctorate) ceremonies in December and May. 

All members of the faculty with the rank of instructor and above are encouraged to participate annually in two commencement exercises in proper academic attire. Faculty with rank of lecturer are invited to participate if they so desire. 

FACULTY MARSHAL

At the commencements there will be a Faculty Marshal who carries the mace for the President of the University. The following guidelines shall be adhered to in selecting the Faculty Marshal.  

The faculty member who is awarded the Roe R. Cross Distinguished Faculty Award during the spring commencement shall serve as the Faculty Marshal for the fall and spring commencements during the year following the year in which they serve as Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor. The honor of being Faculty Marshal will be an additional honor to the recipient of the Roe R. Cross Award.

Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.

Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of Academic Affairs. 

[Academic Affairs procedures - coming soon]

Related Policy Information: [coming soon]