Convocation

The annual Convocation ceremony is a traditional gathering of learners that celebrates and marks a student's entry into the Roger Williams University community. Full of tradition, it provides a formal welcoming to the University just as the Commencement ceremony provides a closing. New students and their families are greeted by the University President, Provost and Student Senate President, among others. During the ceremony, the faculty and staff are dressed in academic regalia, the University Mace and flags are carried in and students take the Academic Integrity Pledge. The ceremony takes places in the presence of family members, fellow students and the University staff and faculty.

Convocation 2012

Date: Saturday, August 25, 2012
Time: The student procession begins at 1:15 PM from the south end of campus as students exit their residence halls. The full ceremonial procession begins at 2:10 PM with the ceremony beginning at 2:30 PM
Location: Tent on Paolino Field directly behind the Campus Recreation Center
Parking: Refer to the Convocation Parking Map

Details for Convocation

At approximately 1:15pm, bagpipers will pass the residence halls signaling the beginning of the student procession to the Campus Recreation Center. Students fall in line behind the bagpipers. Commuter students should meet at the Campus Recreation Center at 1:30pm to join the procession.
Upon arrival at the Campus Recreation Center Fieldhouse, staff will help students with their robes and direct them accordingly.
Once students are lined up, the student procession will exit the Fieldhouse and proceed to the tent behind the Campus Recreation Center.
Family and friends of new students are encouraged to attend. Seating for guests will open at 1:30 pm; all guests should be seated by 2:10pm as the student procession will enter at approximately 2:15pm.
Once the ceremony has begun various speakers will address the new students and guests and students will be welcomed by their respective school’s dean. They will don robes to signify their entry into the academic community and they will take the Academic Integrity Pledge.
When the ceremony officially closes, students will process out of the tent and back into the Campus Recreation Center Fieldhouse. Immediately following the ceremony, students and families are encouraged to say their goodbyes so the students may get to their next scheduled activity.

For more information regarding the Convocation ceremony, please contact the Conferences Office at 401-254-3067.