UW News

September 21, 2017

Freshman Convocation Sept. 24 opens UW’s 2017-18 school year

UW News

Freshman Convocation for the Class of 2020

Freshman Convocation for the Class of 2020University of Washington

University of Washington chemistry professor Sarah Keller, whose work and teaching have been recognized internationally, will be the featured speaker at the university’s 34th annual Freshman Convocation, which begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, in the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

Convocation welcomes the entering class and officially marks the beginning of the academic year, with classes starting Sept. 27. More than 6,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which will be streamed live by UWTV.

The academic procession will be led by Joseph Janes, associate professor in the UW’s Information School and university marshal, carrying the university mace. President Ana Mari Cauce, Provost Gerald Baldasty, members of the Board of Regents, deans, vice presidents, vice provosts and student leaders will march in the procession. The convocation will feature music by the University Wind Ensemble.

After the convocation, Cauce will host the 11th annual President’s Picnic on the Rainier Vista lawn. About 1,500 students, family members and friends are expected to attend.

Preliminary figures show the incoming freshman class will include about 6,750 students, with a record number of students from Washington — about 4,450 — as well as a record number of underrepresented students.

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