Friday, August 16, 2024 4:00 pm The Freshman Convocation welcomes the incoming class of 2028 to Florida Atlantic University. From the welcome by FAU's administrators to the eloquent words of advice from the Distinguished Teacher of the Year, Freshman Convocation promises to be a memorable and exciting start for Florida Atlantic University undergraduate students.The Freshman Convocation is the official entry into Florida Atlantic University. The Convocation formally welcomes freshmen to the beginning of their academic career and represents Florida Atlantic University's involvement and commitment to its newest members of the community of learners. As freshmen assemble, convocation introduces them to faculty, staff and administrators and connects them to one another and to the university.Convocation is a ritual to signal the beginning of a student's college career in the same, significant manner in which the graduation commencement serves as a ritual marking the completion of study.Highlights of the Freshman Convocation The ceremony is led by the University President, Provost, and distinguished speakers. All freshmen that attend the ceremony will be given a blue and silver academic cord from Florida Atlantic University. The cord represents a commitment to achieving academic excellence and success and the beginning of a life-long connection to Florida Atlantic University. Freshmen will wear their cord at their graduation four years from now. The Freshman Convocation helps introduce students to the the FAU community.Information for Students The Freshman Convocation will be held in the Carole and Bary Kaye Auditorium on the Boca Raton Campus. Students must bring their Owl Card or Event Pass from Owl Central to check in. Doors open at 3:15 pm. All freshman students are asked to be seated no later than 3:45 pm. Door will lock at 4:00 pm. Cords will be handed out at the end of the ceremony. Only those freshmen attending will receive a cord. The cord represents your commitment to academic success at Florida Atlantic University and is worn at graduation. Business casual dress is preferred.Information for Faculty The Freshman Convocation is the official beginning of the first-time-in college students' entry into Florida Atlantic University. As a faculty member, you are here in large part because of the extraordinary students who are our partners in the exploration for knowledge. You are the heart and soul of the academic enterprise and your attendance represents your commitment to FAU's newest members of the community of learners.Processional College Deans and faculty are invited to meet in the area adjacent to the VIP Room in the lobby of the auditorium for light refreshments before the convocation. Faculty will be asked to line-up for the processional at 3:45 pm with the deans in the front of the line. An event coordinator will direct faculty in the line-up and will lead them in the Processional to the stage.Location The Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium is located inside the Student Union on the Boca Raton campus.Directions FROM Turnpike AND I-95: Exit Glades Rd. heading East. Turn left into FAU's Main Entrance (NW 10th Ave). FROM US-1: Turn on Glades Rd., heading West. Turn right into FAU's Main Entrance (NW 10th Ave). The Student Union will be on the right hand side as you enter the University.Dress All faculty are asked to wear their regalia. Staff who have earned a Ph.D. are also invited to wear their regalia and join the faculty in the Processional.The Freshman Convocation is free and open to all freshmen, FAU faculty and staff only. No registration is required to attend.