We are seeking Staff Marshal volunteers for our CLAS Commencement undergraduate ceremonies on Sunday, May 5. Staff volunteers play a critical role in guiding students through the ceremony, including the procession from the Greer Field House to Gampel and the walk along the floor of Gampel for name reading, diplomas, and photos. We hope you will consider volunteering to help us make Commencement a successful event for our graduating students.
CLAS Commencement ceremonies will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion. You can find the list of majors scheduled for each ceremony here.
Here are some details:
- Time commitment: Staff should expect a volunteer shift to last about 3 hours per ceremony, starting 1 hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony start time. Volunteers can leave immediately after the conclusion of the ceremony. While we encourage you to volunteer for at least two ceremonies, we are grateful for any time that you can give!
- Food and refreshments: We will have food and drinks available throughout the day for all volunteers.
- Regalia: Regalia (graduation gown) must be worn to Commencement. The Dean’s Office will rent regalia for any volunteers that do not have their own.
- Training: All volunteers will be sent a volunteer guide with specific instructions about their assigned role(s) for the ceremony. Volunteers will be expected to attend an on-site walk-through during the week leading up to Commencement.
- Name readers: We are looking for staff members who will join alumni and faculty in reading the names of graduating students during our Commencement ceremonies. Staff members who read names would serve as Marshals (with assigned roles), as well as assist in announcing names during the ceremony.
- Compensatory time: Department heads and unit leaders have been asked to approve compensatory time for the hours staff spend volunteering at Commencement.
If you are able to serve as a Staff Marshal, please complete this short form with your information.
Please contact Liam Thomas at clas_commencement@uconn.edu if you have any questions or concerns.