What is an installation?

An installation is the formal charging of the Chancellor with the responsibilities and powers of the Office of Chancellor. The ceremony includes the acceptance of these same responsibilities and the pledge to uphold them. Chancellors and presidents frequently use these ceremonies to present their vision of the challenges and opportunities which lay ahead.

How many chancellors has UNCW had?

Rosemary DePaolo is the third chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. However, she is the sixth individual to lead the institution since its founding in 1947. MORE

Who is in charge of the installation?

A university committee chaired by Becky Porterfield, associate vice chancellor of Academic Affairs and composed of staff, students and alumni is responsible for planning the installation of Chancellor DePaolo.

Is it usual for the installation ceremony to take place after the chancellor starts work?

Yes, a celebration of this scale takes months to plan. The installation ceremony usually takes place sometime during the new chancellor's first year of service.

Is the installation ceremony the only event planned?

The chancellor's installation is a weeklong celebration that includes a number of events, including a variety of academic, student, faculty/staff and community activities. Many of these are normally held during spring semester, but have been rescheduled for the week of installation. While there is a charge for some events and participation in others is limited to invited guests only, many are free and open to the public.

What part do I play?

UNCW has not had a celebration of this type since 1991 so you will be taking part in a piece of the university's history. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend as many events as their schedules permit. Classes will be dismissed from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 16, so a majority of the campus community can attend the installation ceremony. Supervisors are asked to support employee participation and provide flexibility with office staffing and scheduling.

As a faculty member, what is my role in the ceremony?

All UNCW faculty are invited to participate in the procession on Friday, April 16. Faculty should report to the robing rooms in Trask 117 or 119 no later than 9:15 a.m. A continental breakfast will be available to you beginning at 8:30 a.m. Line up for the processional will be complete by 9:45 a.m. to begin the processional at 10 a.m. You will process in by your college or school.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Kenan Auditorium. Robing rooms will be changed to DeLoach Hall Room 101.

As a member of the UNCW staff, can I participate in the processional?

Yes, the Faculty Senate and administration are very pleased that staff who have graduated from college would like to participate in this event. You will need to provide your own caps and gowns. Report to Trask Coliseum between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 16 where you will be provided information on your robing room and where your group will assemble. Please register in advance to Lori Leitch at leitchl@uncw.edu

How much does all of this cost?

In planning the installation, the committee worked hard to keep costs minimal. Some events normally held during spring semester were rescheduled for this special week. Other events, like the installation ball, have an admission charge to help cover costs and to raise money for scholarships. Some are sponsored by area businesses, like the UNCW faculty/staff alumni breakfast which is sponsored by ARAMARK.

UNCW/Jamie Moncrief