Frequently Asked Questions about the passing of the UT Austin Mace

What is a mace?

A mace is a staff of authority or office. The U.S. House of Representatives and the House of Commons in the British Commonwealth have stationary ceremonial maces. A mace also may be carried in procession before a person of authority.

What is the Mace of Authority?

The University of Texas at Austin has more than 40 processional maces that are carried at Commencement. These maces were crafted by Professor Carl Eckhart using wood from the original Old Main building. One of these maces is the "Mace of Authority" that symbolizes the authority vested in the University of Texas' administrative officers by the UT System Board of Regents, who in turn receive their authority from the state of Texas. The Mace of Authority particularly represents the responsibilities and authority of the president of UT Austin.

I've never heard of the University maces. Are they new?

The University's maces have been in use since l956. They are regularly on display on the first floor of the Flawn Academic Center.

How will the Mace of Authority be used in the Oct. 6 Convocation to celebrate UT's 115th Birthday?

During the three weeks from Sept. 15 (the UT birthday) and Oct. 6 (the convocation), the Mace of Authority will be traveling among the University's core constituencies. The Mace of Authority will be carried by UT Austin faculty, staff, students and alumni and displayed in places and buildings significant to the UT community. On Oct. 6, the University will host a symposium titled UTexas@115 at 1:30 p.m. in the McCullough Theatre. An academic convocation will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Bass Concert Hall. In the convocation that marks President Larry R. Faulkner's first "State of the University" address, the Mace of Authority will be ceremonially presented to Faulkner by a member of the board of regents.