Convocation in Review

In 2012, former U of I President M. Duane Nellis refocused the purpose of what used to be called New Student Convocation. Renamed University Convocation, the expanded purpose of this traditional start-of-the-year event is to provide an official ceremonial beginning, marking the start of the semester for new and current students, parents, faculty, staff and the greater Moscow community.

The University Convocation ceremony reflects a formal atmosphere similar to commencement, but the focus of convocation is to highlight the beginning of the academic journey rather than the end. The community joins together, inviting students to start (or continue) on the pathway through their higher education experience.

Each year a committee reviews confidential submissions from a cross section of the university to choose the University Convocation speaker.