General Roles and Responsibilities

The University Marshal plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of Convocation and other ceremonial events and in creating a memorable experience for graduates and their families.

Summary

The University Marshal is a voluntary position, selected from the university community. The individual must be a full-time employee or a retiree of the University, and shall be willing to serve on the Honorary Degrees and Ceremonial committee of senate. The University Marshal is responsible for supporting the successful execution of select university events, particularly Convocation. The individual plays a significant role in the ceremony, including providing input on the schedule of degrees to be awarded and participating in the placement and seating of dignitaries and participants on stage. They are responsible for helping maintain a welcoming and helpful demeanor to enhance the overall experience of the event(s) and contribute to the positive and celebratory atmosphere, while ensuring the appropriate application of protocol. In their contributions to university events such as Convocation, the University Marshal works under the direction of the Chief Convocation Administrator.

Details

1. Membership on the Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees and Ceremonial:

• Contribute to the discussions and deliberations according to Senate policy, procedure and by-laws
• Participate in making decisions regarding the recommendation of Honorary degrees and Emeriti awards

2. Assist with Event Preparation and Post-Event Activities:

• Provide input on the schedule of degrees to be awarded
• Assist with pre-event setup, including contributing to the developing and arranging of stage seating before each Convocation session
• Participate regularly in meetings relating to their responsibilities such as Convocation, matriculation, and others as appropriate
• Assist in recruiting, training, supervising, scheduling and assigning a team of marshals as needed
• Be knowledgeable about the university's academic regalia
• Participate in event debriefings to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement

3. Protocol and Order at Events:

• Participate in the organization and execution of the academic procession and recessional
• Ensure graduates are in the correct order as they cross the stage to be awarded their degrees
• Ensure that all ceremonial events adhere to university protocols and etiquette as appropriate and in consultation with others as needed
• Provide guidance to faculty, staff, and participants on convocation conduct and attire
• Act as a source of information for any situational questions, for example, wearing Indigenous regalia
• Ensure that important university symbols are displayed and utilized correctly

Helpful skills and abilities

• Enthusiastic and dedicated with a strong commitment to the university's mission and values and knowledge of university traditions and protocols in addition to the introduction of new aspects (training may be provided)
• Enthusiasm for the celebration of academic achievement, university events and ceremonies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work well under pressure and to remain composed in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of various protocol and willingness to follow event protocols and guidelines

Considerations

• The role often requires working during evenings, and occasionally on weekends, especially during Convocation season
• Regular and active participation in relevant meetings is required
• Participation in all Convocation sessions is preferable