Before the Ceremony

As a Marshal, you will be required to attend a preparation meeting related to commencement. The specific date and time of the meeting will be shared by an assistant university marshal. Please review the directions provided to graduates in advance and become familiar with them prior to the ceremony.

Day of the Ceremony

Responsibilities and expectations for Marshals on the day of the ceremony include:

Arrival and Pre-Ceremony Setup

• 10:00 a.m. Ceremony: Please arrive at the Bell Center gym by 9:00 a.m. Students will be expected to be seated by 9:15 a.m.
• Lunch will be provided for marshals between ceremonies.
• 2:00 p.m. Ceremony: Please arrive at the Bell Center gym by 1:00 p.m. Students will be expected to be seated by 1:15 p.m.
  
  

Preparing and Seating Graduates

Before the processional begins, review and become familiar with the seating layout. Students are seated alphabetically within their college or school, with name cards attached to assigned seats. Please guide each student to the seat corresponding to their name card.

If adjustments to seating are required, ensure all changes are finalized prior to the processional. Students who arrive without an assigned seat should be directed to the HELP sign, where the coordinator will prepare a name card and place the student at the end of their college or school line.

As students arrive and settle, circulate among them to:

• Assist with academic attire, ensuring caps are worn squarely on the head.
• Ask students to remove any decorations, badges, flowers, or embellishments from caps and gowns, as these are not permitted.
• Answer general questions and clarify procedures after the university marshal has completed formal instructions.
  
  

Name Cards and Pronounciations

Before lining up for the processional, instruct students to:

• Hold their name cards right‑side‑up and oriented toward the name reader.
• Students who have concerns about the pronunciation of their name should be directed to the NAME READER sign at the front of the assembly. Emphasize that only the name reader may make corrections or notes on name cards.
  
  

Conduct and Safety

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any time and should be confiscated if encountered.
• If a student or guest requires assistance—such as first aid—please alert an usher or Knapp Center staff member for support.
  
  

During the Ceremony

Once you are on the main floor:

• Upon reaching your college/school area on the main floor, assist the assistant marshal in positioning students at their chairs. Seating on the main floor mirrors the seating arrangement in the Bell Center.
• Help keep student seating areas clear by diplomatically redirecting spectators who are blocking aisles or walkways.
• Students do participate in the recessional, and marshals should be prepared to guide that movement as directed.