Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year—September 12th, 2025

At UMA, Convocation marks the beginning of a new academic year, and with that, a new academic theme. The UMA Colloquium is pleased to announce that the 2025-2026 academic theme is Civil Rights. Part of this year’s academic theme includes the adoption of a single theme-related book by a number of classes across the curriculum: Walking with the Wind: A memoir of the Movement by John Lewis.

In lieu of the traditional Convocation event in 2025, we will be hosting Convocation as the Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year as part of the Kickoff to UMA’s 60th Year program on September 12th, 2025.

This ceremony will take place in the Farber Forum on UMA’s Augusta campus. It will introduce the Academic Theme, honor Rising Scholars, and recognize the recipients of both the Distinguished Educator and Distinguished Scholar Awards.

Rising Scholars

Rising Scholars are recognized at Convocation for both academic achievement and promise. Students are nominated because they have excelled in academics, engaged in the UMA community, or are someone who faculty/staff believe shows great potential and promise as student scholars.

Learn More About Rising Scholars

Here is what you need to know:

This event is open to the public. We invite you to join us at the Augusta Campus or tune in to the event online on September 12 at 3:00 pm.

A link to join the live stream will be posted directly on this page closer to the event date.

Students

  • All students are warmly encouraged to attend the Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year, whether or not you are a Rising Scholar. This is a celebration of the UMA community, and your presence makes it complete!

General Student Seating

  • Students may sit in any unreserved seating section.

Rising Scholars

  • If you have been nominated as a 2025 Rising Scholar or if you are a Returning Rising Scholar from a previous year, please see the instructions below specific to your role in the ceremony.

This Year’s Rising Scholars

Congratulations on being named a 2025 Rising Scholar!

UMA President Cushman and Provost Szakas look forward to recognizing and celebrating your achievement at this year’s Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year.

What to Expect

As a Rising Scholar, you will be recognized in several meaningful ways during the ceremony:

  • Participate in the formal Processional, walking alongside a faculty member.
  • Sit in a reserved section near the faculty.
  • Be individually recognized by Provost Szakas.
  • Receive a special certificate signed by President Cushman.
  • Join the Recessional at the end of the ceremony.

Arrival & Attire

  • Please arrive by 2:30 p.m. for check-in, line-up, and final instructions.
  • While there is no formal dress code, business or business casual attire is strongly encouraged. Please avoid jeans, t-shirts, and overly casual clothing.

Guests Welcome

  • Family, friends, and guests are warmly invited to attend. They may be seated upon arrival and enjoy the ceremony, which begins promptly at 3:00 p.m.

For questions or additional information, please contact Carolyn Anderson at Carolyn.Anderson@maine.edu.

We’re proud of your accomplishments and look forward to celebrating with you!

Returning Rising Scholars

If you were selected as a Rising Scholar in a previous year, you are warmly invited to return to Convocation as a special guest of the University of Maine at Augusta.

What to Expect

  • Returning Rising Scholars will be seated in a reserved section at the event.
  • While only current 2025 Rising Scholars will take part in the formal Processional, President Cushman will recognize all returning Rising Scholars as a group during the ceremony.
  • When you arrive, please check in with an usher and let them know you are a returning Rising Scholar—they will escort you to your designated seating.

RSVP & Attire

  • If you haven’t already, please RSVP here to confirm your attendance.
  • Business or business casual attire is encouraged. Jeans and t-shirts are discouraged to maintain the event’s formal tone.

Guests Welcome

You’re welcome to bring family, friends, or guests to celebrate with you! They will be seated in an adjacent area next to the Rising Scholar section.

Questions?
For questions or additional information, please contact Carolyn Anderson at Carolyn.Anderson@maine.edu.

We look forward to welcoming you back and honoring your continued connection to UMA.

Faculty Participation in the Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year

Friday, September 12, 2025

  • Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year begins promptly at 3:00 p.m.
  • Faculty are strongly encouraged to attend the Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year, especially those who are teaching Friday afternoon classes. You’re invited to bring your students to what promises to be a thought-provoking and interdisciplinary event.
  • As part of the ceremony, faculty are expected to participate in both the Processional and Recessional, wearing full academic regalia.
    If you need a cap and gown, please contact the Spirit Store or Santiago Rave, Sodexo (Santiago.Rave@sodexo.com) as soon as possible.
  • All faculty should arrive at the event location by 2:30 p.m. for line-up and final instructions. The Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year will begin at 3:00 p.m. and conclude by approximately 4:00 p.m.
  • For questions or additional information, please contact Carolyn Anderson at Carolyn.Anderson@maine.edu.

Staff Participation in the Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year

Friday, September 12, 2025

  • Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year begins promptly at 3:00 p.m.
  • The Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year is a celebration of the entire UMA community, and staff are encouraged to attend as their schedules allow.
  • If you nominated a Rising Scholar, your presence is especially meaningful—we encourage you to participate in the ceremony.
  • Staff who have nominated a rising scholar are encouraged to participate in the Processional and Recessional. You must arrive at the event location by 2:30 p.m. for line-up and final instructions. Full academic regalia is required. If you need a cap and gown, please contact the Spirit Store or Santiago Rave, Sodexo (Santiago.Rave@sodexo.com) as soon as possible.
  • The Ceremonial Kickoff to the Academic Year will begin at 3:00 p.m. and conclude by approximately 4:00 p.m.
  • For questions or additional information, please contact Carolyn Anderson at Carolyn.Anderson@maine.edu.

Attendees needing accommodations for disabilities should contact Carolyn Anderson at 207.621.3267, or email carolyn.anderson@maine.edu, no later than September 8, 2025