Commencement Traditions
The Seal
West Virginia University’s seal was adopted by the WVU Board of Regents on June 15, 1869. The center of the seal includes an outline of the campus (then only Woodburn Circle), hills behind the buildings to reflect the institution’s stability, and a rising sun to indicate its prosperity.
The motto in the inner circle in Greek translates to: “Add to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge” (from 2 Peter 1:5 in the King James Bible). The outer circle in Latin translates to: “Seal of the West Virginia University. Established 7 February, 1867.”
The Regent’s original, handwritten resolution adopting the seal is located in the University Archives in the WVU Wise Library.
The Mace
The mace is a symbolic tradition that originated during the Middle Ages. The ornamental staff of authority is brought to the platform by the Grand University Marshal who, to signify the beginning of the ceremony, taps it thrice and places it in the holder. The mace used in official ceremonies at West Virginia University was handcrafted by a WVU professor. It represents the official authority of the University president and precedes him or her at academic ceremonies, including commencement and inaugurations. When the president is not in attendance, smaller batons are used to signify the designation of authority.
Marshals
The tradition of academic marshals comes from storied English universities. The Grand Marshal is the chief protocol officer who coordinates the ceremonial traditions of Commencement, including the processional and recessional. The Grand Marshal is also responsible for the school’s relics, including the mace and batons. University marshals are typically members of the faculty. Schools and colleges may also select their own faculty and student marshals to help facilitate their individual ceremonies. Learn more about WVU's Marshals here.
Academic Processional and Regalia
The sequence of the processional is as follows: members of the platform party, deans, faculty, degree candidates, honored guests, and the presiding officer, such as the University president or provost.
The history of the academic regalia worn today at American college exercises dates back in its essential features to the Middle Ages. The oldest universities of northern Europe evolved from ecclesiastical institutions, and during the early days, both faculty and students were regarded as part of the clergy. Hence they wore clerical garb, largely borrowed from the monastic dress of their day, not merely on special occasions, but as their regular costume.
The head covering of the academic costume developed from the skullcap worn by the clergy in cold weather to protect their tonsured heads. In the universities this skullcap acquired a point on top, which gradually evolved into a tassel. The bonnet with tassel is still worn by some; however, for the most part it has been replaced by the more familiar mortarboard.
The gown worn today seems to have been borrowed from the habit worn by Benedictine monks. No trimming is found on the bachelor’s and master’s gowns. For those holding doctoral degrees, the gown is faced down the front and trimmed on the sleeves with velvet.
Today’s hood is colored according to the scholarly field of the individual and bears, on the inner liner, the official colors of the institution that conferred the degree. The colors associated with the different fields of learning at West Virginia University are given on the Academic Regalia FAQs page.
The West Virginia University ceremonial regalia consists of a blue gown with blue velvet trim, a gold and blue hood, and a blue hat. This regalia is worn by members of the platform party, special guests, and members of the University administration.