UNC Charlotte Academic Policy: University Marshal

I. Executive Summary

The position of University Marshal is an honor bestowed by the University on a distinguished faculty member. The University Marshals represent the faculty at ceremonial functions of The University and serve as symbols of faculty excellence and leadership in teaching, professional achievement, and service to campus and community. This policy outlines how faculty members are selected.

II. Policy Statement

The Chancellor, with the advice of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, shall select at least one University Marshal from among full-time faculty. Marshals shall be chosen on the basis of outstanding teaching and professional achievements, as well as length of service and leadership in the University community. Awards for teaching and research such as the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence, the UNC Charlotte Award for Teaching Excellence, and First Citizens’ Bank Scholars Medal, recognition by peers on campus and in the wider scholarly community, election to faculty offices, service as faculty member, and seniority are among the factors which will be weighed by the Chancellor. Selection does not preclude a faculty member who is serving a term as a Chair or in another position, but does exclude persons whose careers have been primarily devoted to full-time administrative positions.

University Marshals will serve for a term determined by the Chancellor, but in most cases it will be to serve for one semester at designated ceremonies. The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs shall, after consulting with such Deans and/or Chairs as deemed appropriate, recommend one or more candidates to the Chancellor, who shall make the appointment.

III. Definitions

  • Chancellor – The chief executive officer of UNC Charlotte. At some universities, this position is referred to as president.
  • Dean – The highest authority within an academic division of study. An Academic Dean heads each College. In addition to the academic deans, there is also a Dean of Students within the Division of Student Affairs.
  • Department chair – The faculty member in charge of an academic department of the university.
  • Provost – Reporting to the Chancellor, the Provost is the chief academic officer who oversees all academic affairs activities, including research and faculty. The Deans of each College report to the Provost.

IV. Policy Contact(s)

V. History

  • Approved: May 5, 1988
  • Revised: September 21, 2006
  • Revised: March 28, 2013 [Marshal eligibility opened up to all “eligible faculty” instead of only “full professors;” seniority criteria removed]
  • Revised: March 25, 2021 [clarified “eligible faculty” to mean full-time faculty, updated practice of appointing multiple University Marshals per semester, including non-commencement ceremonies]

VI. Related Policies, Procedures and Resources

There are no Related Policies, Procedures, and Resources for this policy.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is this policy referenced?
    The policy is published on the Academic Policies & Procedures webpage of the Provost website.