Page 3 - Spring Convocation 2015
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CONVOCATION
Universities are rich in tradition and ceremony and nowhere is this more apparent than at convocation, when the university community comes together to confer degrees upon new graduates. To signal the opening of convocation at Royal Roads University, the maces are carried into the ceremony and placed on the stage.
Many early European universities originated within the church in the medieval period, and this is reflected in convocation’s strong ecclesiastical connection. The chancellor presides over convocation and draws his title from the person who was the head of the theological faculty of these early universities. As the head of the Chancery, the chancellor had the responsibility of examining students prior to their receiving degrees. Over the ages, the role of the chancellor has changed. Today, the Royal Roads chancellor, who also chairs the Board of Governors, is the person empowered by the provincial government to confer degrees and oversee the direction of the university.
Universities have undergone dramatic changes over the past 900 years. Today, as universities break down barriers of background, income and geography to welcome lifelong students to education, the convocation ceremony reminds us of the strong traditions that reach back to the very different world of medieval learning. In the 21st century, lifelong students require universities to keep pace with the changing times. Royal Roads University is proud to be a leader in this new generation.
THE MACES
The university is deeply grateful for the gift of the Royal Roads University mace from its first graduating class – the Royal Roads University Student Association of the Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Science programs – in 1997. To pay tribute to the history of our campus, the Royal Roads Military College mace is displayed in honour of our past.
When carried into the ceremony and placed on stage, the Royal Roads mace signals the opening of the convocation. The design embraces elements of the history, academic direction and vision of Royal Roads.
The silver dome inset into the head of the mace represents the sun and the relationship of east and west. The stylized turret surrounding the dome indicates the historical significance of Hatley Castle and the former Royal Roads Military College.
Three maple leaves crafted in oyster shell are inset into alternating steps of the turret, representing the First Nations, French and English peoples of Canada. Historically, oysters were a main food source on Vancouver Island and are incorporated into many early Coast Salish artwork themes.
Six crafted flutes surround the head of the mace. The silver band delineating the head and shaft is engraved with images of stylized water. The silver band balances the mace while effectively isolating the head from the main shaft, similar to the way Vancouver Island is isolated from the mainland. A small wooden dome at the other end of the mace replicates the pattern of the head. The shaft and head are made of yew, an evergreen tree indigenous to Vancouver Island. Over time, a patina develops and gives the yew a rich, deep golden brown colour.
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