The Mace and Bedel's baton

A ceremonial team of Bedel (or University Marshal) and Mace Bearer presides over the ceremonial procession. The Bedel bears a Baton as a symbol of office, leads the procession, assists the platform party and leads out the new graduates. The Mace Bearer bears the Ceremonial Mace; a traditional symbol of power; and precedes the Conferrer in the procession on entry and heads the procession on exit.

The Mace is a traditional symbol of authority. At about 3 feet 6 inches long, the Keele University Mace is in three sections; the crown terminal is applied with the University Arms in enamel and engraved; Presented to the University College of North Staffordshire, by the Newcastle-under-Lyme Corporation, 1956, N. F. Bradshaw J. P., Mayor'. It was designed and made by Henry Pidduck; Sons of Sheffield in 1956. The Mace is primarily made of silver and weighs 1.94 kilograms (68.3 ounces).

The Bedel is a new role introduced in 2014 to take responsibility for the dignity of the ceremony. The Bedel carries a Ceremonial Baton that was commissioned in 2014.

On exit, the procession is led by the Mace Bearer in reverse order. They are then followed by the graduating students in order of academic precedence, beginning with doctorates and concluding with first degree and undergraduate awards. Guests, and friends and families of graduates follow behind the graduating class.