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Become a Senior Class Marshal

The senior class marshals (senior marshals or marshals) are a select group of diverse, energetic seniors who love UNC and want to help others understand the importance of serving our great University and staying connected to Carolina after graduation. Marshals plan several events and programs that help seniors optimize their final school year and prepare for life after Carolina. Marshals are some of UNC’s most committed and thoughtful students, and these students recognize and are eager to instill the importance of giving back to Carolina.

The marshals are led by the elected senior class president and vice president and a selected chief marshal. This group is advised by Carolina Alumni staff. Marshals are selected during spring semester of junior year. All juniors are encouraged to apply. Apply today.

Senior Marshal Goals and Responsibilities

Senior marshals assist the class officers in achieving the following goals:

  • foster class unity
  • serve as the official representatives of their classmates
  • build stronger ties between their class and the University, its friends and alumni

Marshals are responsible for a number of University activities including University Day, May and December Commencements prior to their own graduation. In addition, they assist the Annual Fund office with the senior campaign by encouraging classmates to make a financial contribution to the University prior to graduation. Marshals also help classmates understand the importance of alumni involvement and assist Carolina Alumni staff in encouraging seniors to become members of the association.

Marshals are recognized in all Commencement materials and at other times.

Responsibilities of a marshal include, but are not limited, to:

  • Promote the Senior Campaign and solicit donations from classmates
  • Promote Carolina Alumni membership
  • Serve as a marshal at University Day
  • Serve as a marshal at May and December Commencements
  • Assist the preceding senior class with senior week events during their junior year, when requested
  • Work collectively with class officers and other marshals to execute senior class events and programming
  • Attend and assist with senior class events and programming
  • Attend weekly marshal or committee meetings, all held on Mondays at 7 p.m.

Application Timeline

Thank you for your interest in becoming a class of 2025 senior marshal. Marshals are integral to a successful, fun and inclusive senior year. Serving the University as a marshal is a vastly rewarding experience and allows for a more hands-on appreciation of Carolina pride and tradition.

All interested current juniors are encouraged to apply.

Being a marshal requires substantial effort, dedication and time. Please do not underestimate the time commitment. All applicants are encouraged to review the following dates and times for the upcoming year. In order to be a marshal, you should be available to participate in the following list of duties:

2025 Senior Class Marshal Selection

April 2 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT): Priority application deadline

April 5 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT): Final application deadline, but priority will be given to applicants who apply by April 2

April 12: Application deadline extended

April 13: Interview times communicated to applicants

April 16-19: Interviews

April 25: Decisions communicated to applicants

April 29: Whole group marshal meeting, 7 p.m.

May 11: Marshals volunteer at Spring Commencement

Dec 15: Marshals volunteer at Winter Commencement

Other key responsibilities:

  • Weekly meetings throughout academic year: Mondays, 7 p.m. (typically in person)
  • Support for University events throughout the year such as University Day
  • Support at monthly marshal planned and led events