The Processional
The procession marks the formal opening of commencement as faculty, administrators, and graduates enter the ceremony in academic regalia. At NCMC, the procession is also referred to as “The March” and carries special significance and symbolism. The procession is led by the Faculty Senate President who is assisted by Processional Marshals selected by Faculty Senate.
The Tolling of the Bell
The ringing of the bell by the Student Senate President marks the official beginning of the ceremony and signals the start of the ceremonial march, calling scholars together. The NCMC Bell, cast in 1883 and weighing 1,036 pounds, was originally cast in 1883 by the Buckeye Bell Foundry/Vanduzen and Tift of Cincinnati, Ohio. The bell served the Trenton Public Schools and was brought to the high school building, now Geyer Hall. Over time, the bell fell into silence and was eventually hidden from view. It was rediscovered during a renovation project and in 2000, it was publicly displayed for the first time in over a century. Twenty-five years later, during the College’s centennial year, the bell was re-established and continues its legacy as a symbol of the College’s deep roots. The bell will continue to herald in each new academic year and close it again at Commencement. The bell is also rung at various important events throughout the year.
The March
Before Commencement ceremonies take place, students gather in front of Geyer Hall at the Hoover Quadrangle. During that time, students are lined-up by faculty marshals. When the procession begins, students march from Geyer Hall, past the Hoover Quadrangle, and leave the Henderson Circle area to fall in line behind the platform party and faculty. The Faculty Senate President leads the entire procession to the Ketcham Community Center, where the ceremony will take place.
The historical walk represents students leaving the institution and entering the next phase of their life. It’s an important NCMC tradition and the march is videotaped each year for posterity.
The Mace
Carried at the front of the academic procession by the Faculty Senate President, the ceremonial mace represents the authority, heritage and tradition of North Central Missouri College.
Presentation of Colors
This practice is conducted by military color guards and occurs at the beginning of Commencement to mark the significance of the event. During the ceremony, the United States flag is presented, as well as the Missouri State flag, and the Star-Spangled Banner is sung (usually by one of our students!). It’s a special part of the ceremony that pays tribute to our nation, as well as our veteran students and guests.
The Four Flags
As part of the academic procession, four ceremonial flags are carried to represent the college’s campuses: Trenton, Barton, Savannah, and Online. Together, these flags symbolize the unity of our campus communities and the shared achievements of students across all locations.
Recessional
The Faculty Senate President leads the Recession, indicating the Commencement Ceremony has ended. The Platform Party follows, then the faculty, and graduates. Immediately after leaving the auditorium, the faculty will line each side of the door that will be exited by graduates. As graduates march through the line, faculty members utilize this opportunity to be the first to congratulate the new graduates on their completion and reaching this important milestone.
Diploma cover
Because final grades may still be issued and transcripts continue to be verified, students are not issued their actual diploma until late May/early June. During the Commencement ceremony, graduates are provided with a diploma cover. On the outside of the cover is the phrase, Scientia Est Divitiae, which is Latin for “Knowledge is Wealth”. Inside the diploma cover, a note from the College President congratulates them on their achievement.
Presidential Medallion
The medallion is worn by the College President at Commencement. It symbolizes the authority and responsibility vested in the President. The medallion is inscribed on the front with the College seal. The back of the Medallion contains a list of past Presidents.
Nursing Pinning
The pinning ceremony is a special part of the afternoon ceremony. The ceremony has roots from the 12th century, as well as ties to legendary nurse Florence Nightingale who presented a medal of excellence to her brightest students. This is a tradition that transcends NCMC and a symbol of nursing students hard work and dedication. During this portion of the ceremony, the student receives their diploma cover and then proceeds across the stage to have a faculty member attach a pin to the student’s academic regalia.
Dr. Vicki Wheeler Brunch
In 2003, the tradition began in the Arts and Sciences Division to honor an outstanding graduate with the Academic Excellence Award (AEA). In 2005, the awards were expanded and outstanding graduates in other programs of study were recognized. Awards were given to the top student in the following programs: Associates in Arts, Associates in Arts in Teaching, Accounting, Agriculture, Business Management, Business Technology, Early Childhood, Level I and II Nursing in Trenton and Maryville, Level I Nursing Bethany, Criminal Justice, and Medical Assistant. To further recognize students, as well as celebrate with their families, a breakfast was established prior to the graduation ceremony. As time passes. academic programs change, and the recognition event evolves, central focus remains on recognizing and celebrating NCMC’s outstanding students. In May 2006, the breakfast was named in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Vicki Wheeler. In 2014 the breakfast moved to a brunch, as the College moved to two ceremonies rather than one. The event is currently held between morning and afternoon Commencements. Carrying on the tradition of excellence, the Dr. Vicki Wheeler Brunch continues to honor outstanding students in their various programs of study. The Dr. Vicki Wheeler Brunch is held in the Cross Hall atrium, immediately following the morning Commencement ceremony. Honored students and their families are invited to attend. Dr. Vicki Wheeler was hired in August 1976. She retired 30 years later in 2006. Throughout her tenure with the College, Dr. Wheeler primarily taught English while also serving as an Associate Dean. Dr. Wheeler took on a leadership role outside of the classroom as well, serving as a primary writer for NCMC’s North Central Accreditation report. She also advised NCMC’s theatre group, the NCMC Players. In addition, Dr. Wheeler facilitated a successful Elderhostel program and the first NCMC Kids College. She was also instrumental in the creation of an academic assistance program, which later became the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and later the Tutoring Center. The Tutoring Center continues to provide academic assistance to students today.
International flags
The flags hanging behind the platform represent the home countries of our current students. We are excited that our NCMC community includes students from all over the world. To see all the countries represented by our students over the years, please visit the NCMC Library where they are proudly displayed.
Faculty/Staff Support
Marshals
Marshals are honored faculty members who assist in leading students during the March and provide guidance during the ceremony. There are two Processional Marshals and two Recessional Marshals. Marshals are selected by the Faculty Senate and serve in high regard during the ceremony.
Faculty
Full-time faculty are present during the Commencement Ceremonies. Similar to the academic year, faculty will have various roles throughout the ceremony. They are also the first to congratulate the graduates upon leaving the ceremony by forming a tunnel as graduates exit to the auditorium.
Staff Support
Commencement is our most important celebration at NCMC! In support of our students and to recognize their accomplishments, as well as to welcome family and friends, the Administrative Professional (AMP) Staff and a few select Classified Staff assist with the Commencement ceremony each year.
Platform
The Platform Party consists of representatives from across the institution. They may include: the Board of Trustees, the President, Administration, and College Governance representatives.
Previous Commencement Speakers
The Commencement Ceremony
Academic Dress
Faculty/Administration Academic Dress
The academic dress worn by faculty and administration originates in the clerical robes worn by students and teachers at the earliest medieval universities. American colleges and universities adopted a code of academic dress based on these robes in 1895 that included regulating the cut and style of the gowns and prescribing colors to represent the different fields of learning. The code, which has since been updated and revised, is recommended for use by U.S. colleges and universities.
The design of caps and gowns is determined by the following:
Level of degree earned (bachelors, masters or doctorate)
The level of the degree earned is reflected in the design of the gown – how full it is, whether or not it has trim on the sleeves, and the design of the sleeves.
The gown for the bachelors degree, designed to be worn open or closed, has pointed sleeves.
The gown for the masters degree, which can be worn open or closed, has an oblong sleeve.
The doctor’s degree gown can be worn open or closed and has bell-shaped sleeves with three bars of velvet across the sleeves.
Institution Granting the Degree
The institution is reflected in the hoods for advanced degrees. The backs of the hoods are lined with silk showing the colors of the institution granting the degree, or the institution with which the wearer is connected. The color of the tassel on the cap and of the velvet edging of the hood, carried forward around the throat, indicates the division of the university.
American Academic Costume
The regalia worn in American academic ceremonies today evolved from the everyday attire of students and faculty in universities of northern Europe during the Middle Ages. It developed out of a combination of ecclesiastical, judicial and ordinary civilian dress of the times. In the United States, the square mortarboard is the most common head covering and has its origin in judicial caps, as well as the square bonnets worn by scholars at the University of Paris. Soft bonnets or tams, of various shapes, are worn by degree holders from most European universities but are now gaining popularity.
The use of different designs of robes to signify the various degree levels dates back to the 14th century; the most elaborate design has always been for the highest degree. In the past twenty years, more and more American universities have adopted unique designs, often in the school’s colors, for those granted doctoral degrees. The velvet trim down the front and in bars on the sleeves of doctoral gowns indicate the scholarly field of the degree held by the wearer and are of the same color as the border of the hood. A person holding the Doctor of Philosophy degree will have velvet trim in dark blue, rather than that of the particular field in which the academic study has been done. Black velvet is not associated with any academic area but is an option if the robe is black.
The hood originally was a head-covering worn for protection during inclement weather but otherwise dropped onto one’s shoulders. Although originally worn by both students and faculty, by the 16th century hoods were worn only by degree holders. The silk lining of the hood has colors and a design unique to the college or university that has granted the degree. The velvet border of both masters and doctors hoods, like the trim of the doctoral robe, indicates the scholarly field of the degree.
The colors most often seen are:
White……………….. Arts and Letters Light
Blue…………………………………Education
Pink………………………………. Music Dark
Blue………………………………..Philosophy
Drab.………………. Business Administration
Sage Green……………..Physical Education
Copper………………….. Economics Golden
Yellow………………………………..Science
Russet…………………….. Fine Arts Lemon
Yellow……………………….Library Science
Purple…………………………………… Law
Scarlet.……………………………..Theology
Intercollegiate Code for Academic Costume