This year’s new undergraduate class was immersed in Ohio State tradition yesterday morning during convocation ceremonies at St. John Arena.

A tired group of first year students overflowed the bowl of the arena, packing into the second tier seating to hear speeches from faculty leaders. The largest applause of the morning, however, came after Undergraduate Student Government President Aftab Pureval spoke on the importance of student participation in this year’s presidential election.

“I can’t argue that there are a lot of reasons not to vote,” Pureval told the class of 2008. “All we hear from the media is that, while one is a flip-flopper, the other is less than intelligent.”

Pureval said students must raise the level of debate with candidates with or despite of them.

“We have to show them that we are not ambivelant or cynical,” Pureval said.

Donna Johnston, a Recoat usher at St. John for 18 years, said this year’s group of first-years seems much more politically focused than the class that entered OSU during the last presidential election. She said many registration campaigns have taken place during their initial week on campus, including forms in packets given to the new students and registration information being made available at the Schottenstein Center Sunday.

Despite the activism, Johnston said there are some similarities.

“Each one of these I attend, I think of these young people and how their lives will change,” Johnston said. “They will change so much in four years.”

The faculty side of convocation was much less political.

Ohio State University President Karen Holbrook spoke of students creating a story with the university and working to make OSU a better research university.

“Try to do some things that change you forever,” Holbrook said. “Work to personalize your experience.”

She asked students to ask themselves the question: “What can I do to make Ohio State distinct as a research university?”

Holbrook said there is a “tangible” pride in OSU that graduates will sense anywhere in the world.

“Its hard to be humble when you’re a Buckeye,” she said.

Executive Vice-President and Provost Barbara Snyder concurred with Holbrrok’s assesment of the school.

“Ohio State is a student-centered research university,” Snyder said. “It’s up to you to take charge of your education.”

Vice-President of Student Affairs Bill Hall asked students to keep four points in mind during their tenure at OSU: embracing diversity, making good choices, becoming involved in one activity outside of the classroom, and using available resources.

“There is no shame in seeking help,” Hall said.

Associate Professor of Marketing Neelima Bendapudi stressed four similar points: being responsible for one’s own education, meeting diverse people, giving back to the community, and seeking help from professors when needed.

“Knowledge is not a commodity that one can deliver pre-packaged to you,” she said. “Its not just our job: Its our joy to share with you what we do.”

Students were given a flashy ending as Assistant Vice-President for Undergraduate Admissions and First-Year Experience Mabel Freeman had all students reach into their complimentary gift bags and take pictures of the person next to them, creating a flurry of flashes in the arena. The cameras were compliments of the President’s Club, an alumni group that donates over $85 million to OSU every year for symposiums, conferences, and other campus activities.

First-year student Ryan Moody of Cortland, Ohio of the Mount Leadership Society in Halloran House said he was excited during convocation to be a part the tradition of Ohio State.

“It’s a fun thing to do and shows you’re part of something that has longevity,” he said. “People have been here before, people will be here after.”

For more information go to www.ohiounion.com/welcomeweek