Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to common questions about the inauguration ceremony, event details, and participation opportunities. We are excited to share this momentous occasion with you.

If you have questions that are not addressed here, please email [email protected].

What is the purpose of an investiture ceremony?

A presidential investiture ceremony provides an opportunity for the university and its surrounding community to unite to celebrate the institution’s future. Faculty, staff, students and community stakeholders are all invited to attend. This event also serves to enhance the university’s visibility within the broader higher education community while continuing time-honored academic traditions, such as the procession of delegates, past and present university leadership, and faculty members. Additionally, it allows the new president to address the entire university and share her vision for the institution’s future.

Who can attend?

All inauguration events, except where noted “invitation only,” are open to all members of the Oglethorpe community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the institution. Higher education delegates and Oglethorpe faculty and administrators are invited to participate in the investiture ceremony processional. Everyone is welcome to join President McClymond for the Community Celebration Luncheon on the Academic Quad following the ceremony.

You may bring guests. Please register the number of guests who will be attending when you RSVP.

Do I need a ticket to attend the investiture ceremony? What about the other events?

Seating for the ceremony is on a first-come, first-served basis. Remote viewing sites will be open to any person if the venue has reached capacity. A ticket is not required for the Community Luncheon Celebration, Faculty Lecture, and Community Service Project.

Although a ticket is not required, we ask that you RSVP here to let us know which events you will be attending. Please RSVP by August 20.

What is the location of the investiture ceremony?

The investiture ceremony will take place in the Conant Performing Arts Center on Friday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m. Remote viewing of the ceremony will be available via a live stream on the web.

What is the recommended attire?

Business attire is recommended. The Community Celebration Luncheon will be held outdoors on the Academic Quad. Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking through grass.

I am traveling from out of town. Is there a list of hotels in the immediate area? Where do I find directions to the investiture?

Hotel blocks with special rates have been secured for out-of-town alumni, friends and guests attending the inauguration events. Links to hotel accommodations and directions can be found on the inauguration website.

Where should I park?

Parking is limited on campus and ridesharing is encouraged. Please view the campus map, follow directional signage, and park in the specified lots.

What do I need to know if I am a delegate?

Oglethorpe is honored to welcome delegates from institutions of higher education to participate in the inauguration of Oglethorpe University’s 18^th President, Dr. Kathryn McClymond. Delegates must provide their own regalia to participate in the investiture processional. Delegates will be emailed a parking pass prior to the event.

University delegates are requested to arrive at Philip Weltner Library Atrium, Lowry Hall, by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, with their academic regalia.

Please RSVP by August 20.

What do I need to know if I am faculty?

All faculty are required to wear academic regalia to march in the investiture procession. Faculty who do not RSVP by the August 20 deadline will not be permitted to march in the processional. Please RSVP here.

Please arrive at Philip Weltner Library Atrium, Lowry Hall, by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, with your academic regalia.

Will classes be canceled so that students and faculty can attend?

All classes will be canceled on Friday, September 20, so that all may participate in the inauguration events. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to participate in all events on Thursday and Friday.

How should media outlets request media credentials?

Media representatives wishing to report on elements of Oglethorpe’s inauguration events should contact Lance Wallace, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at [email protected].