Inauguration FAQs for Employees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an inauguration at a university?
- Inaugurations are key milestone events in the life of a higher education institution.
- This is an opportunity to feel connected and united with the global Tufts community.
- Staff, faculty, students, parents, alumni, and neighbors get to experience a moment of inspiration, renewal, pride, and shared purpose together.
- We engage academic, government, professional, and alumni leaders to support the work ahead.
Who can attend the installation ceremony and reception?
- All members of the Tufts community are invited and encouraged to attend.
- Tufts asks community members to register to attend the ceremony by September 30.
What is the date, time, and location of the installation ceremony and reception?
- Ceremony: Friday, October 6, 2 p.m. on the Medford/Somerville Residential Quad
- Reception: Friday, October 6, immediately following the ceremony, on the Medford/Somerville Academic Quad
How long is the installation ceremony and reception?
- Ceremony: 2-3:30 p.m.
- Reception: ~3:30-5 p.m.
What happens at the ceremony?
- The installation ceremony will include the academic procession, greetings from various constituencies, remarks from special guests, the investiture, an address from President Kumar, music, and singing.
Which inauguration events require registration?
- Installation Ceremony (register by September 30)
- One Health: Tufts Making an Impact
- Day of Service: Medford Community Cleanup
- Centering Indigenous Voices in the Arts
Will campus offices be closed during the installation ceremony?
- Campus offices will remain open during normal business hours throughout inauguration week.
- Employees who wish to attend the installation ceremony and other inauguration week events should get their manager’s permission to do so.
- Tufts encourages managers to give their team members time away from their work to attend inauguration events whenever possible.
Do employees need to take time off to attend inauguration events?
- No, employees who attend events during their workday with their manager’s permission do not need to use leave time.
Will hourly employees who attend inauguration events be paid?
- Yes, hourly employees who attend events with their manager’s permission will be paid for any regularly scheduled work hours that overlap with their event attendance.
What accessibility arrangements have been made for the installation ceremony?
- On- and inter-campus shuttle and ride sharing services.
- Seating to accommodate physical disabilities will be available with advanced notice. Please contact the Inauguration Office at 617-627-3636 or inauguration@tufts.edu.
- Wheelchair accessibility arrangements.
- ASL and captioning for the event.
What is the recommended dress for the installation ceremony?
- Participants in the ceremony will be formally dressed; for others, business casual is fine.
- The entire viewing area will be tented.
Is there seating at the installation ceremony?
- Seating will begin at 1 p.m. and will be open to everyone on a first come, first served basis.
Where will watch parties be held on other campuses?
- Please check the events calendar for watch party details by campus.
Will the ceremony be streamed online?
- Yes, if you are unable to attend in person, you will be able to watch the ceremony online (the streaming link will be live and available on the Inauguration website on the day of the ceremony).
How do I get to the ceremony from the Boston Health Sciences, Boston SMFA, or Grafton campus?
- The ceremony will be held on the Residential Quad at 180 Packard Avenue in Medford.
- View directions and a Medford/Somerville campus parking map online.
- Parking on campus will be free on Friday, October 6.