For many incoming freshmen, the traditional President’s Convocation is the beginning of a long, fun and exciting four years to come at OSU. Convocation 2006, hosted by Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook, will take place Sept. 18.
“It is the first official academic welcome for all incoming freshmen,” said Amy Barnes, assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience.
Planning for Convocation, which traditionally is held the Monday before the start of autumn classes, begins as early as spring quarter, but really takes off during the summer with the recruiting of OSU volunteers and the mailing of invitations to incoming freshmen.
“We typically have a need for about 300 volunteers, but we can accommodate as many volunteers as possible,” said Julie Schultz, program coordinator for First Year Experience Programs.
Convocation, however, is not limited to incoming freshmen. Many of the volunteers include current OSU students, faculty, and staff but additional volunteers are always welcome, Schultz said.
In addition to Convocation, incoming freshmen are also required to attend a survey class taught by their academic adviser.
“The class serves as an introduction to their college and academic life,” said Laura Cross, associate director of First Year Experience.
Once class is over, the freshmen then walk to St. John Arena together where they are greeted by bag-distributing and seat-assisting volunteers.
Inside the bags, freshmen receive symbols of traditions at OSU such a scarlet and gray tassel, a Block “O” pin and a disposable camera.
The disposable camera is part of a surprise announcement during the speech that will be given by the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Office and Provost Mabel Freeman. In addition to Freeman, the freshmen will also hear from President Holbrook and Undergraduate Student Government President Ryan Fournier. Barnes also said a yet-to-be-named faculty member will address the freshmen along with Vice President of Student Affairs Rich Hollingsworth, and Archie Griffin on behalf of the Alumni Association.
Cross said they expect between 7,000 and 8,000 people inside St. John Arena for the Convocation.
Of course, no OSU tradition would be complete without the presence of The Best Damn Band in the Land.
“The band plays Carmen Ohio, OSU’s alma mater, and the freshmen get to learn the words. At the end of the ceremony, the students walk out behind the band and into the stadium,” Barnes said.
At the stadium freshmen are greeted by cheering volunteers and get to see themselves on the scoreboard videoscreen as they pass through the stadium.
“This is designed to be a bookend to commencement,” said Barnes. “The march into the stadium is symbolic of ‘this is where you will graduate.'”
Following the walk into the stadium, students are led to The Oval for the President’s Picnic and the Student Involvement Fair as a part of Welcome Week, which is free and open to everyone.
“It is the first time the freshmen class is all together and serves as a kickoff to the college experience,” Schultz said.
