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September 24, 2023

‘From this day forward, you are a Husky’: Incoming class welcomed at New Student Convocation

The University of Washington welcomed its incoming class and families on Sunday at the University’s 40th annual New Student Convocation, which was held in Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

The incoming class is expected to consist of about 7,000 students. Official census information is announced later in the quarter.

See highlights from Sunday’s ceremony at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion in the photo gallery below.

Tricia Serio, UW Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs speaks at New Student Convocation

Tricia Serio, UW Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs speaks at New Student Convocation

Tricia Serio, UW Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, was the featured speaker. Serio, who took office on Aug. 1, previously served as Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.

“From this day forward, you are a Husky,” Serio told the crowd, which nearly filled the arena and spilled into overflow seating at Husky Stadium. “The next few years are just the start of that journey, but they will form a solid foundation that will support you for the rest of your lives.”

UW President Ana Mari Cauce, members of the Board of Regents, the deans of the 16 schools and colleges, and faculty members also attended. Speakers, including Cauce, other administrators and student leaders, encouraged new Huskies to be curious, get involved, explore and challenge themselves.

Following the ceremony, incoming students formed a giant block “W” on the field inside Husky Stadium.

UW Bothell and UW Tacoma are also welcoming students back to campus this week with a string of activities, including Convocation ceremonies. About 1,226 freshmen and 543 transfer students are expected at UW Bothell, and about 630 freshmen and 650 transfer students are expected at UW Tacoma.

Fast facts:

  • Preliminary figures show the incoming freshman class is expected to be about 7,000 students.
  • Around 4,450 freshmen will be from Washington state.
  • An additional 1,500 transfer students are expected to arrive this fall, about 1,250 of whom will be from Washington community colleges.
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