Convocation

The University of Pennsylvania formally welcomes the incoming class at Convocation, the day before the first day of classes. Though the format may have changed over the past 270 years, this event is a significant marker in the lives of Penn undergraduates. This is the first time that the freshman class marches together. They will come together again on Hey Day in their junior year, and at Commencement in their senior year.

The Convocation ceremony includes remarks by the President, Provost, Penn Alumni President, Dean of Admissions, and Chaplain, and is interspersed by several musical selections from student groups. The ceremony closes with the singing of "The Red and Blue," a song that will be sung many times in the life of a Penn undergraduate. Opening Convocation is managed by the Office of the University Secretary.