What is an Investiture?

A tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, an investiture is an academic ceremony in which a new leader is “vested” with the official powers of office. Typically held during a president's first year, the ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate a new era in the university’s history.

The investiture is a ceremony of dignity with many academic traditions and protocols. It features an academic procession of delegates from other colleges and universities as well as the institution’s own faculty. Marchers wear their academic regalia. The event includes greetings from members of the university community.

During President Teniente-Matson’s investiture, as with prior ceremonies for CSU presidents, the Presidential Medallion will be conferred. The Presidential Medallion is a symbol of President Teniente-Matson’s responsibilities to the university.