Investiture FAQs

An investiture is a ceremony at which honors or rank are formally conferred one a particular person. Originating in English universities and modeled after highly dignified knighthood ceremonies, investiture comes from the Latin phrase for “dress in robe.” In academic circles, the term has come to mean one who will literally don the university’s insignia and regalia.

The investiture ceremony of a new president is one of dignity with many academic traditions and protocols. The ceremony includes an academic procession of delegates from other colleges and universities, as well as the college’s own faculty wearing the colorful academic regalia. Interspersed with musical selections, there will be an invocation, color guard presentation, greetings from several constituents, presentation of the symbols of office from by the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, the benediction, and the recessional.

The investiture is an academic tradition giving the college an opportunity to begin a new chapter in its history and celebrate as a community the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship, and the future of the college.

The ceremony will last between one and two hours. A reception will immediately follow.

Anyone who has an interest in attending the Investiture Ceremony is welcome. However, the favor of an RSVP is requested by September 1.

Yes. An ASL interpreter will be at the event.

Business attire preferred.

Yes. The ceremony will be livestreamed. Links will be posted at highlands.edu and on the college’s social media outlets the day of the event.