Symbols and Traditions

Academic institutions throughout the world have created a wide variety of customs, including distinctive dress, color, and ceremony, to indicate the accomplishments of scholars. UNLV shares in many academic traditions that can be traced to the world's oldest institutions of higher learning.

These symbols and traditions can be seen at official university events such as academic convocations, commencements, and presidential inaugurations.

  1. Inaugurations Find out about the history of this rite-of-passage tradition.
  2. Presidential Medallion Get information about the official insignia of the university president.
  3. University Mace Read about the design and history of the ceremonial mace.
  4. Academic Regalia Learn about the symbolism and history of academic dress.
  5. Alma Mater Learn more about UNLV's school song.