Academic Procession

Academic ceremonies always begin and usually end with processions. The interesting regalia, the arrival of the mace, the presentation of the gonfalons and all the associated "pomp and circumstance" are colorful and meaningful parts of the ceremony.

Schedule for the Academic Procession to Convocation

Thursday, October 1

8:00 a.m. - Robing Room in Cushing Library opens. Individuals participating in the procession may drop off regalia. Please make sure that each piece of your regalia is tagged with your name and contact information.

1:30 p.m. - Robing for the Academic Convocation begins in Cushing Library.

2:15 p.m. - Academic Procession steps off from Cushing Library.

2:30 p.m. - Academic Convocation begins in Rudder Theatre.

Procedures for the Academic Procession

The robing room in Cushing Library will be open and ready to receive regalia at 8 a.m. on October 1. The lobby and conference room of Cushing Library will open for robing at 1:30 p.m. Texas A&M faculty members who are robing in their offices should plan to arrive at Cushing Library no later than 2:00 p.m. The Procession will step-off from the Cushing Library at about 2:15 p.m.. In the event of rain, the robing will be in Rudder Auditorium. If the rain route is used, the procession will wind through Rudder Exhibit Hall and into Rudder Theatre. There will be an announcement on Thursday morning if the rain route is to be used. Should you have any question about the route, please call the Provost's Office (845-4016).

If you do not have regalia, you may still participate in the procession. However, we would like for you to indicate your intention by calling Ms. LaNita Jackson in the Office of the Dean of Faculties. Her telephone number is 845-4274 and her email address is lj-jackson@tamu.edu. By letting us know, we can be sure to save your seat in the auditorium.

The following information will help make the activities related to the Procession run more smoothly.

• Please leave personal belongings in a secure place before coming to the robing room.
• All rented regalia should be picked up from the Texas A&M Bookstore before Thursday, October 1.
• If you are wearing regalia that you own, please label all pieces of regalia (gown, cap/mortar board/tam, and hood) with your name.
• Women may want to wear flats or chunky-heeled shoes. The planned procession route crosses a couple of rough spots that could catch a narrow-heeled shoe and present a trip hazard.
• A labeled hanger will be provided for coats or jackets that you may want to leave in the robing area during Convocation. An attendant will be on duty all day; so, personal items will be secure. The robing area in Cushing Library will remain open until 5:00 p.m. for individuals to retrieve personal items left there during the Convocation.
• Following Convocation, individuals who have rented regalia may return those items to representatives of the Texas A&M Bookstore, who will be on duty at a drop off point in the first floor hallway between Rudder Theatre and Rudder Auditorium. (Sign will indicate drop-off area.)