About Revocation
Why do we call it Revocation? The name of our special graduation ceremony was invented by our students many decades ago. The Latin noun "vocatio" means an invitation or calling. It's the origin of the English word "vocation." Hence, the gathering together of first-year Honors students at the beginning of their undergraduate careers is called "Convocation," a calling together of that class, encouraging them to thrive and set their course toward success. When a class is called back together, recognizing their accomplishment in graduating "with honors," we revoke their status as active Honors students as they become alumni creating a bookend to Convocation called "Revocation."
Revocation Details
Appropriate dress for all attendees is professional attire. Students do not wear their cap and gown.
*The Honors College provides the Honors medallion to be worn for commencement and does not have a cord or stole. Other cords and stoles must be ordered through the university bookstore.
Honors College students are encouraged to invite family and friends. RSVPs are required for students and guests. The RSVP form is sent via email approximately one month before Revocation.
Spring Revocation typically follows the format listed below:
- Welcome from the dean
- Senior marshal speeches
- Student speeches
- William A. Mould Senior Thesis Award Presentation
- Michael A. Hill Faculty Award Presentation
- Medallion presentation
- Individual recognition of all students
- Dean's keynote speech
- Alma mater
Senior marshals are chosen by Honors College staff each year, and the selected students are notified in late April. Marshals are chosen based on their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to the Honors College experience.
Marshals sit on stage during the ceremony, give a short, 3-4 minute speech and are responsible for running the Revocation ceremony.
The Honors medallion is a relatively new tradition created for our graduates in 2020. Crafted in bronze and hanging from a garnet and black ribbon, the medallion features DeSaussure College and the Maxcy Monument. The medallion is presented at Revocation, and our students wear their medallions for the university's commencement in lieu of a cord or stole.
Honors College graduates receive an Honors certificate modeled after the University of South Carolina's original diploma. Certificates are mailed to our graduates approximately three months after graduation and are sent to the graduate's address on file with the Honors College. Honors graduates will also have "graduation with honors" noted on their university diploma.