Incoming freshmen and transfer students, along with their families, are invited to join faculty and university leaders for a formal welcome to Oakland University and to kick-off their education at OU. The New Student Convocation Ceremony will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Recreation and Athletics Center. Following the ceremony, students can learn more about student organizations during the Involvement Fair.
Convocation originates from the clergy, members of the bench and bar, and other learned professions in the universities of medieval Europe. At today’s colleges and universities, convocation represents the first time faculty and students are brought together in an academic year.
OU’s convocation includes a traditional faculty in full academic regalia, informative and entertaining speakers, and a reception where students and their families can meet professors, deans and other university leaders. During a reception after the ceremony, students can learn about student organizations, academic units and view student research projects on display.
“New Student Convocation provides us not only with the opportunity to formally welcome the students and their families to campus but also to offer them advice and guidance as they embark on an important new chapter of their lives here at Oakland University,” said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president of Student Affairs.
Convocation speakers include Snyder, OU President Gary Russi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Virinder Moudgil and Associate Professor of Political Science Dave Dulio, who will provide the keynote address on what not to do in college. The event will be emceed by Steve Clark, Student Congress president.
Following the speakers, the Golden Grizzly Pep Band will teach the audience the OU Fight song.
The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. A reception and Involvement Fair are from 4 to 5 p.m. Attire is business casual.
Attendees may park in the university parking structure, located on Pioneer Drive across the street from Pawley Hall. For more information, see the Parking Web page.