Convocation Set for Sept. 1

For the second year in a row, Dr. Jamie Washington will be the keynote speaker at Convocation.

UMass Lowell’s Fourth Annual New Student Convocation will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Campus Recreation Center.  The event serves as the official start to the academic year for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

The Convocation theme, “Be here. Be engaged. Make an impact.,” is based on the philosophy of Dr. Jamie Washington, who will, for the second year, be the keynote speaker. Other speakers will include Chancellor Marty Meehan and Provost Ahmed Abdelal.

Convocation is the centerpiece of an Opening Week packed with activities and events for both incoming and returning students. “We want students to connect with the campus right away, so we give them lots of different ways to do that,” says Dean of Student Larry Siegel.

Other opening week events include River Hawks on the Roof on Sept. 1 and a comedy show Friday, Sept. 4 featuring Zach Galifianakis, star of "The Hangover." Advance comedy show tickets are  $12 for students and $20 for the public. Tickets are available at www.umltickets.com. Tickets at the door will be $25 each.

Faculty members are invited to participate in the Convocation procession in academic regalia. If they wish to participate they should RSVP and plan to arrive at the Rec. Center at about 9 a.m.

There will be special seating for staff members and faculty who do not wish to process. Please arrive at the Rec. Center no later than 9:50 a.m.