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The Investiture Ceremony is considered among the oldest traditions in academia. It harkens back to English universities and is thought to be an adaptation of the dignified ceremonies heralding knighthood. The word “investiture” comes from the Latin phrase for “dress in robe,” investitura. Today, utilized in academic circles, it denotes the ceremony accorded to recognize the individual who will don the University's insignia and regalia, figuratively and realistically leading the University forward.

As such, the installation of a new President is sonorous with dignity and multiple academic traditions and protocols. An academic procession signals the start of the Ceremony, with delegates from other colleges and universities and members of TAMIU’s faculty. All will be robed in the colorful academic regalia of both their institution and, sometimes, their discipline. To select musical interludes, there will be a processional, invocation, greetings from several University and community groups, and presentation of the symbols of office. This will be followed by a Presidential address, the singing of the Alma Mater, a benediction, and a celebratory recessional.

The investiture of a President stands as one of the most significant events in the life of a University. Since its founding in 1970 to its identity today as Texas A&M International University, this University has been guided by five presidents, each leaving an indelible mark on the history of the University and the communities it serves.

Some Questions

How long will the ceremony last?

The Investiture Ceremony will last no longer than one hour and thirty minutes.

Who is invited to attend the ceremony?

All are welcome.

What is the attire for the event?

The attire for the event is business casual.

The Academic Procession

This formal processional is similar to a Commencement Exercise and will include the stage party, other college and universities’ delegates, University faculty and student representatives. All will be dressed in full academic regalia.

The President will wear the regalia of the University. A Medallion of Office will be presented during the Ceremony by the Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, and the University Mace will be featured.

The Academic Regalia

The use of academic regalia (robes) dates back to the 12th Century and includes three components: Cap, Gown and Hood. Each Gown identifies the wearer’s degree of education. And so, the Bachelor’s gown is black with long, pointed, open sleeves. A Master’s gown closes the sleeve below the elbow. The Doctoral gown sleeve will bear three bars of velvet. All degrees include a mortarboard (Cap) and for Doctors, may be a velvet tam. A tassel of gold or other color indicates the field of study.

Doctor

Master

Bachelor

An academic hood length also gives clue to the degree type. A Master’s hood is 3.5 feet long; a Doctoral, four feet. The hood’s lining indicates the college or university awarding the degree, while the color of velvet on Master’s hoods is the field of study. On Doctoral hoods, the velvet can be fields of study or a traditional royal blue. Most commonly used colors are: white for Arts; yellow for Science; blue for Philosophy; pink for Music; light blue for Education; orange for Engineering; light blue for Education; brown for Business; turquoise for Continuing Studies; apricot for Nursing and gray for General Studies.

More about Our Regalia

The Mace

Another academic tradition with medieval origins, the mace, once a weapon of war, is now a symbol of institutional authority. The University Mace is a wood staff crowned with laurel leaves, and anchored by a series of silver bands naming the University’s presidents. It signifies the University’s power to protect knowledge against those seeking to undermine or exploit it, while also representing TAMIU’s commitment to intellectual honesty and integrity, and the civic trust acknowledged with its display and use.

The President’s Medallion

The Texas A&M International University Medallion is crafted of bronze and bears the University’s seal. It is reserved to for formal occasions, such as convocations, commencements, and, of course, inaugurations.