For students, Commencement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Faculty and staff members can celebrate their success in a meaningful way by volunteering as a Commencement marshal, ensuring that this milestone event goes off without a hitch.
What does a marshal do?
Commencement marshals ensure that graduates and their guests have a seamless, memorable experience on their big day.
As a marshal, you might:
- Help graduates line up with the correct department before the ceremony so they walk with their classmates.
- Work with students or guests who have requested accessibility assistance.
- Create excitement for graduates waiting for the ceremony to begin.
- Direct guests to the best viewing areas, restrooms and other key locations.
- Guide graduates and faculty members as they enter and exit the ceremony in an orderly fashion.
Time commitment and perks
Volunteers can sign up for the morning ceremony (7 a.m.-noon), the afternoon ceremony (11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or both.
Each shift includes:
- A complimentary meal (breakfast for the morning shift, lunch for the afternoon shift).
- Free parking at the venue.
- Recognition in the Commencement program.
- A special marshal gift as a thank-you for your service (new this year).
For longtime marshal volunteer Corinne Anaya, the rewards go far beyond these benefits.
“I love being a marshal because, each semester, it renews my ‘why’ — why I continue to work in higher education,” said Anaya, who is a financial-analysis and data manager for the School of Hospitality.
“Commencement is a celebration of everything our students have accomplished, and it’s an honor to be part of that moment,” Anaya said. “It refills my cup and motivates me to continue providing support to students who are working hard toward their goal of graduation.
“Seeing the excitement on our graduates’ faces and sharing in their joy makes it one of the most fulfilling things I do all year. I encourage every faculty and staff member to volunteer. It’s an experience you won’t forget.”
Why your help matters
Commencement is one of the most significant milestones in our students’ journeys, and ensuring that it runs smoothly requires a lot of help. However, if there aren’t enough volunteers, important roles may go unfilled and students and their families could miss out on the best possible experience.
- Morning ceremony | 9:30 a.m.
- College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering and Design
- College of Business
- College of Health and Human Sciences
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Afternoon ceremony | 2:30 p.m.
- College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Hospitality
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Each ceremony will include an address from President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., as well as speeches from a keynote speaker and a student representative.
Ready to make a difference? Sign up to be a marshal today by filling out the volunteer form by March 14 (for free regalia) or March 21.
