Join in New Student and Family Convocation
This annual tradition helps welcome the next generation of Aztecs to SDSU.
Sponsored and organized by the Division of Student Affairs — in collaboration with partners from across campus — convocation is an annual tradition to help welcome the next generation of Aztecs to SDSU. The event symbolizes a critical first step in the students’ college careers. This year’s New Student and Family Convocation will take place at 10 a.m on Saturday, Aug. 27. at Viejas Arena.
Dean of Students Randall Timm said just as commencement marks the completion of study, convocation is an important ritual signaling the beginning of the college experience.
“Convocation is a ceremonial point in time where new students are formally presented by their parents and welcomed into the Aztec family,” Timm said. “It’s a hand-off from parents to their student’s college dean. This ritual marks an important change in our students’ lives.”
The Aztec Experience begins
Designed to promote tradition and student retention, New Student and Family Convocation is one of many student milestones along the educational journey at SDSU.Each year, convocation sends a powerful message to students, one that instills the shared values of the university: citizenship, scholarship and leadership. The ceremony encourages growth and development throughout each student’s Aztec Experience.
“In addition to serving as an official welcome to the university, New Student and Family Convocation is one of the first connections to the university," said Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Rivera. "Our data shows that making these connections within the first six weeks of school is crucial, especially for new students who are making decisions about their futures at SDSU."
Vice President Rivera, along with President Elliot Hirshman, and Provost and Senior Vice President Chukuka S. Enwemeka, will be in attendance. Associated Students President Jamie Miller will lead a special pinning ceremony, "Aztec Declaration by New Students," and Timm will serve as master of ceremonies.
Aztec parents are also welcomed into the SDSU community. Aztec Parents Advisory Board members, Frank and Jerri Churchill, will lead a pinning ceremony for parents.
Show your Aztec Pride
All new students and their families are strongly encouraged to wear red and black and participate in the annual Band Run prior to convocation.At the beginning of each new academic year, new students and their families have the opportunity to make their first walk across campus together as Aztecs in the Band Run, a fun, spirited campus tradition beginning at 8:30 a.m. near the residence halls.
Led by the SDSU Marching Band and cheerleaders, the Band Run makes its way through the heart of campus, growing in size as more students and families join in along the way.
All new transfer, freshman and commuter students and their families are encouraged to participate in the event, which is immediately followed by convocation.
For more information about convocation, contact the Office of New Student and Parent Programs at (619) 594-1509.
