An investiture ceremony is an academic event typically held during a new president’s
first year. As one of the oldest traditions in academia, originating from English
universities and modeled after knighthood ceremonies, the ceremony signifies the beginning
of a new chapter of leadership for a university, and it provides an opportunity for
the university, guests and community to witness the formal installation of the new
leader. First coined in the 14th century, the word investiture derives from the Latin phrase for dress in robe. In academic circles, this term has come to mean a leader who will represent the
university’s insignia and regalia.
