New Student Convocation
New Student Convocation is the official academic welcome for first-year students and 
marks your entrance into the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As a new UL Lafayette student, you will have the chance to meet with fellow classmates and faculty, as well as learn about opportunities awaiting you in your college.
New Student Convocation 2018
The freshman class filled the Cajundome during New Student Convocation and heard from Olympian Hollis Conway, student entrepreneurs and adventurers, and University President Joseph Savoie and Provost Jaimie Hebert.
When and where is Convocation?
New Student Convocation is Tuesday, August 21, at the Cajundome.
Doors open at 2:30 with everyone seated by 3:15.
All incoming, first-year UL Lafayette students are required to attend convocation. You must bring your Cajun Card, which will be scanned on the way out to confirm your attendance.
Information for Faculty & Staff
Faculty and staff are encouraged attend New Student Convocation. See all Convocation info for faculty and staff.
I have class during Convocation. What should I do?
You should email your Tuesday afternoon instructors no later than Monday, August 20, to let them know that you will be attending New Student Convocation.
To find your instructor's contact information, view our step-by-step guide. The guide also includes an example email about missing class.
Remind your instructor during your next class period that you attended New Student Convocation. All Tuesday afternoon instructors were notified about the conflict of their class with New Student Convocation.
What happens at Convocation?
Students, alumni, and faculty will share their own experiences and advice — about making the most of your time at UL Lafayette, finding your people, and making your mark.
Everyone attending convocation is invited to the reception afterwards, where light refreshments will be provided.
Special Guests
Two-time Olympic medalist and UL Lafayette alumnus Hollis Conway
UL Lafayette track and field legend Hollis Conway is now back at his alma mater to serve as the Assistant Director for Diversity, Leadership and Education. He was a six-time NCAA All-American, six-time conference champion and three-time NCAA champion in the high jump. Hollis graduated from University College in 1991.
The Cajuns Red Bull Can You Make It? Team
During their senior year, three UL Lafayette students trekked across Europe during the Red Bull Can You Make It? Challenge — using only cans of Red Bull to trade for food, shelter, train tickets, and more. They came in 15th out of more than 200 teams and placed first among U.S. teams. Emily Daigle, Sam Riehl, and Brandii Champagne graduated from the College of the Arts in May 2018.
Kitchen on Klinton Restaurateurs & Entrepreneurs
Four UL Lafayette graduates are working together on a very sucessful food truck in Lafayette: Kitchen on Klinton. They are 2017 College of Liberal Arts grads Tre'jan Vinson and Avery Bell, 2018 College of Business graduate Jared Johnson, and 2017 University College grad Corey McCoy.
Student & EMT Brock Zeringue
Brock is a student in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions with plans to graduate this spring. When he's not in class, he works as an EMT with Acadian Ambulance.
Awarded Faculty & Student Leaders
The faculty procession will be led by:
Student Government Association President Chandler Harris
2018 Distinguished Professor Dr. James Albert
2018 Distinguished Professor Dr. Xiaoduan Sun
2018 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient Dr. Jennifer Lemoine
2018 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient Dr. Feebe Louka
2018 Leadership Service Award Recipient Dr. Terrence Chambers
UNIV 100 Instructor of the Year Award Recipient Dr. William Fossey
UNIV 100 Instructor of the Year Award Recipient Mr. Jesse Saloom
UNIV 100 Instructor of the Year Award Recipient Ms. Christine Williams
What should I wear?
New Student Convocation will be celebrated in business-casual wear. Despite it still being summer, we ask that attendees leave their shorts and sandals at home.
What is business casual? We recommend looking put-together in a dress, skirt or slacks with a polo shirt or or button-up, like in this photo:
Need more inspiration? See some feminine examples and inspiration or some examples of masculine business casual wear.
If you don't have any business casual clothing, you can get some for free at the UL Lafayette Career Services' Career Closet.
How do I get there?
New Student Convocation is happening at the Cajundome, which is next to Cajun Field. You can either drive/bike/walk there yourself, or you can take the University shuttle for free.
Take the University Shuttle
Starting at 2 p.m., all University buses will stop at the Cajundome (in addition to all other regular stops). You can hop on the shuttle either on Rex Street or in front of the Student Union on McKinley Street.
Buses will also be running when convocation ends, so you can get back to campus easily.
Drive or Bike Yourself
If you want to drive yourself, you will need to park at Cajun Field and walk through the tunnel under Cajundome Boulevard to get to the ceremony.
If you want to bike, we've mapped out the most protected route to get to Cajun Field.
What if I have other questions?
Contact the Office of First-Year Experience at ofye@louisiana.edu or 337-482-6599.