Freshmen convocation is an event that Auburn hopes will become a new tradition starting with the class of 2014. As the first event in the new coliseum, new students, both freshmen and transfer students, will enjoy a presentation with key Auburn speakers and a spirit rally followed by a free barbecue on the lawn next to the student center.
"It's the calling together of the class of 2014," said Amy Hecht, assistant vice president of student affairs, explaining the word and its root meaning from Latin.
Hecht said that Auburn wants this event to be fun and exciting so that incoming freshmen will feel welcomed.
The event will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, the day before classes begin, at 2:45 p.m.
Hecht also said that current students and faculty are invited to attend the event.
"We really want the community to come together and acknowledge that this is a really exciting time," Hecht said.
The speakers at the event will be Jay Gouge, president, Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey, provost, Dr. Ainsley Carry, vice president of student affairs, Dr. Donna Bohanan, Kicklighter professor of history, and Kurt Sasser, SGA president.
"Welcome to the family" is the theme of convocation, and this is exactly what Auburn intends to do in regards to the freshmen class.
"We're extremely excited to see what it looks like and to see how the current students and faculty are going to get involved, and we're encouraging all those people to attend," said Keri Anne Davis, a communications resources specialist for Auburn.
Incoming freshmen, as well as transfer students, will receive save-the-date invitations for the event, which is mandatory.
Seating for current students and faculty is being reserved, and all are encouraged to attend.
Along with the event will be a pinning ceremony. Upon entering the coliseum, new students will receive a lapel pin attached to a card with the Auburn creed printed on it. Hecht explained that after hearing key speakers, students will experience the pinning ceremony where they help one another to pin each other with the incoming class pin.
"The way that we want to format this is basically inducting these Auburn students into the Auburn family by pinning," Davis said, "and we want to encourage class strength."
Hecht also said freshmen convocation was an event for Auburn's women in the 1960s or 70s. Part of the this new freshmen convocation is brining this tradition back, hopefully to stay, Hecht explained.
Current students are also encouraged to volunteer for the event.
"They're really going to play a role in welcoming the students and making the pinning ceremony exciting for them," Hecht said.
Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt as well as lunch when they arrive at the coliseum early to be briefed about the day's events.
"We really want them to feel loved and welcome, and that they fit in and that this is now their family," Hecht said in reference to new students.
Camp War Eagle counselors will also be outside of the coliseum for students to meet if they would like.
"It's like a whole family coming together to welcome new members to the family," Davis said about current students and faculty getting involved.
For more information about the event or how to volunteer, contact Keri Anne Davis at davisk1@auburn.edu.
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