UW News

September 11, 2012

Freshman Convocation marks opening of UW’s school year

News and Information

University of Washington President Michael Young will be the featured speaker at the UW’s 29th annual Freshman Convocation, which begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 in the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

About 4,800 people are expected to attend this event, which welcomes the entering class. Convocation officially marks the beginning of the academic year, with classes starting Sept. 24. The event will be broadcast live and will be rebroadcast by UWTV.

The academic procession will be led by Ron Moore, professor of philosophy and university marshal, carrying the university mace.  Provost Ana Mari Cauce, members of the board of regents, deans, vice presidents and student leaders, among others, will march in the procession. The convocation will feature music by the University Wind Ensemble.

Following the convocation President Young will host a picnic for attendees on Rainier Vista lawn. About 1,300 people are expected to attend.

Preliminary figures suggest the UW freshman class will include about 6,000 students.