What is an Investiture?

The investiture ceremony features rituals usually associated with events such as commencement. There is a full academic procession led by the investiture marshal and color guard, followed by the University of Houston System chancellor, the board of regents, University of Houston-Clear Lake administrative leadership team, faculty, distinguished delegates from other academic institutions, student leaders, and dignitaries representing government and the Bay Area community.

The full academic regalia worn by these groups adds to the pageantry of the ceremony. Staff, students, alumni and members of the general public are all witnesses to this marking of a new beginning in the life of the university. Elements of the ceremony include: festive music; remarks from the diverse constituencies that comprise the University of Houston-Clear Lake community; the presentation of the presidential medal; investiture of the new president by the University of Houston System chancellor; a keynote address from a noted leader; and an inaugural address by the new president.