The ceremonial academic mace is an historical amalgam of the regal scepter of rulers with the weapon-like instrument known as a mace. The first dated record of the ceremonial academic mace goes back to 1385 at the University of Vienna. An academic mace is traditionally carried in procession and mounted on stage whenever degrees are granted or when the faculty is assembled in formal academic dress. The Tulane mace is made of silver and African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon). This tree has an extensive range on the African Continent and can be found in the savanna regions of the Sudan. It is considered to be the best wood available for ornamental turnery. Its chief use is for woodwind instruments such as flutes, clarinets, bag pipes, etc.

The mace design includes the Pelican in her Piety, i.e. the bird tearing her breast to feed her young, and the Paul Tulane shield—both elements from the university seal. The verso features a Newcomb pottery design of a stylized magnolia blossom and the pottery mark of the college. This magnolia design is one that was featured on the commemorative poster for the traveling exhibition of Newcomb Pottery organized by the college and the Smithsonian Institution; furthermore, magnolia blossoms have traditionally been used to adorn the stage at commencement ceremonies. The base of the mace is entwined with ivy, a symbol of the original Medical College from whence Tulane sprung. The names and dates of service of all 14 Tulane presidents are engraved on a spiral silver band around the wooden shaft. Jonathan Hils, who earned his master of fine arts in 1999, designed and sculpted a prototype for the mace. The wood for the finished mace was donated and turned by master wood-turner Gorst Duplessis. The silver was cast at one of the world's leading foundries, Tallix in Beacon, New York.