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Historic building with BAU logo and Be an Innovator, Be a Leader text on a yellow background.

SYMBOLS OF THE BAY ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

THE MACE

The origins of the mace can be traced to medieval times when knights carried them as weapons during processions with their kings. As the tradition grew, the mace became a symbol of authority and was often decorated with elaborate embellishments and gems. Today, an academic mace represents the authority invested in the president by a school’s governing body and is used only on formal academic occasions, including Commencement, Convocation, and presidential inaugurations, when participants are in full regalia and the president is in attendance.

The new BAU mace bears the Coat of Arms on two sides, the acronym “BAU” on one side and the year 2014 (the year the university was established) on the other side.

Wooden ceremonial staff with BAU emblem, gold flame topper, in front of a patterned flag.
Gold Bay Atlantic University medallion chain featuring symbols and 2014 inscriptions on a dark background.

CHAIN OF OFFICE

Accompanying the mace is the distinguished BAU chain of office, adorning the university president’s academic regalia. Comprising interlinking circles inscribed with “BAU,” the institution’s charter year, the depiction of the coat of arms, and all the symbols on the coat of arms separately on each circle, this chain represents the trust and authority bestowed upon the president by the university’s governing body.

During inaugural ceremonies, the chain is ceremoniously placed around the neck of the new president by the chair of the Board of Trustees, signifying the transfer of leadership and authority. The president then wears it during the commencement ceremony and convocations with the gown.

THE PRESIDENTIAL GOWN

The presidential gown features four velvet chevrons adorning each sleeve-an honor reserved for university presidents-and is trimmed in a braided buff silk cord. The wool costume is completed with a tam in matching blue velvet and a gold bullion tassel. The gown is reserved for academic convocations, commencement ceremonies, and other formal occasions, symbolizing the authority and dignity of the university presidency.

Blue doctoral gown with black velvet panels and colorful embroidery hanging against a decorative background.
Seal of Bay Atlantic University, Washington D.C., established 2014, featuring university crest and laurel wreath.

THE SEAL

Central to the university’s identity is its official seal, a circular emblem featuring the institution’s name, location in Washington, D.C., and the year of its founding encircling a coat of arms. This seal serves as a hallmark of authenticity and tradition, embossed on official documents and university correspondence.

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