The commencement exercise is a ceremony filled with pomp, color, and music, and steeped in traditions, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. A scholar transported through time from 900 years ago would recognize much of the regalia and the ceremonies of today’s commencement.
Now, as then, commencement is the opportunity for a university to demonstrate that it has fulfilled its basic missions: educating people to become leaders in professions and society, and awarding the degrees that represent their work and achievements as scholars.
The name “commencement” almost seems a contradiction. The word means “beginning,” but it comes at the end of a student’s academic experience; yet, the name is fitting in that it marks the beginning of a graduate’s life as the holder of a degree.
The trappings and traditions of commencement, and their origins, give participants and observers some indication of both the importance and the antiquity of one of the most meaningful ceremonies of life.
THE CHAIN AND MEDALLION
One of the enduring symbols of authority in ancient times was the chain of office, with a medallion worked with elaborate designs indicating the office and status of the wearer. During UALR graduation, a bronze chain and medallion bearing symbols associated with knowledge, learning, and the campus, are worn by the UALR Chancellor, who represents the entire university. It is he who convenes the ceremony and is its chief presider. The UALR chain and medallion were designed by Aaron Hussey, a graduate student in sculpture, working under the supervision of Michael Warrick, professor of art. The medallion was cast in the UALR Department of Art.
THE MACE
One of the less well-known artifacts connected with commencement is the mace. It is a ceremonial device, borne with great dignity into commencement halls, signifying that those who follow are persons of authentic authority and achievement. Maces are also carried into the chambers of some legislative bodies, particularly as symbols of the authority of a king or queen in countries where there is a monarchy. In ancient times, the mace also preceded important personages, but it was far from symbolic; it was a club used to strike and drive away people – usually trying to beg favors or money – who came too near officials in authority. The mace is carried by the Grand Marshal. It was designed and hand-crafted in purple heart, mulberry, and bronze by artist Jack R. Slentz while he was a graduate teaching assistant in sculpture in the UALR Department of Art, working under the supervision of Michael Warrick, professor of art.
BANNERS
Since earliest times, colorful banners and standards have marked significant assemblies - armies, churches, powerful families, the retinues of officials, and others. During UALR commencement, you will see a colorful banner carried into the hall at the head of each college group.
MARSHALS
The leader of the academic procession is the Grand Marshal, who carries the mace in the port arms position as he enters the hall. At UALR, the Grand Marshal is the President of the UALR Assembly – the University faculty’s governing body for academic issues. In addition to the Grand Marshal, you will see faculty and student marshals who have been selected to lead groups of candidates for graduation to their seating in the hall.
MUSIC
The sequence of the musical program with preludes, processionals, and recessionals is traditional, and one of the songs, “Pomp and Circumstance,” is probably played at more U.S. commencement exercises than any song in history. The music for the UALR Alma Mater was composed by Dr. Robert Boury, professor of music, with lyrics written by Dr. John Gray, professor emeritus and former Dean of the UALR College of Professional Studies.
THE DAIS PARTY
The last retinue to enter the commencement hall will be seated on the dais, where much of the ceremony will be conducted. The dais party includes the Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellors, Deans, other University officials and guests, and representatives of the UALR Board of Visitors, University of Arkansas System, and UA Board of Trustees. Additional dais party members include sign language interpreters and singers.
ACADEMIC REGALIA
The tradition of distinctive academic attire originated in Europe in the 12th century. A black scholar’s gown and black square hat, known as the mortarboard, are almost universally used in the United States for holders of the bachelor’s degree. Some universities authorize robes of different colors for holders of doctoral degrees, who have three velvet stripes on the sleeves of their robes and wear colorful hoods that extend down their backs. Those with master’s degrees wear robes with closed sleeves and arms extended through slits in the body of the gown. Master’s hoods are slightly shorter than those worn by doctoral degree holders. Candidates for the bachelor and graduate degrees wear tassels of a color associated with their college. Doctoral candidates, as well as those who hold doctoral degrees, wear gold tassels.
UALR VARIATIONS
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has made few changes in commencement since 1928, when the school, then known as Little Rock Junior College, awarded degrees to its first 12 graduates.
Other than changing the color of the caps and gowns – they were initially black, then for several years were changed to a bright magenta-maroon shade, and then back to black – UALR’s commencement changes largely have been in size and location. From that first 1928 graduating class of 12, UALR commencements have grown to include as many as 1,700 degree recipients. Commencement was for many years held off campus in locations such as Little Rock Central High School, the exhibition hall of the Excelsior Hotel and most recently Barton Coliseum. In the Spring of 2006, commencement returned to the UALR Campus for the first time in 37 years. Two commencement ceremonies were held in the new Jack Stephens Center starting a new tradition for UALR students.