New Student and Family Convocation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Student and Family Convocation?
Convocation, for the new members of the SDSU community, symbolically represents their embarkation on a new academic journey. Convocation serves as an induction into the university, and promotes the institutional values of scholarship, citizenship and leadership. At convocation, faculty, students and administrators will officially welcome new students and their families. Last year more than 7,000 new students and their families attended New Student and Family Convocation.

Why should I go?
All new students are expected to attend this event. This ceremony is an important way for students and their families to recognize their entrance into the university community. It helps to "bookend" the student's collegiate experience, with commencement as the final goal. This experience is very important as students begin their college careers. Students will be presented to the Dean of their college. Parents and other family members are encouraged to attend as well.

Should transfer students attend New Student and Family Convocation?
Absolutely! New Student and Family Convocation is designed for ALL new undergraduate students – freshmen and transfer students and their families. Another reason that it's especially important for transfer students to attend is that a special reception will be held immediately after Convocation for transfer students and their families. Please note: transfer students and their families will be seated on the floor level of Cox Arena.

Is there a cost to attend the event?
No. This is a free event.

Where do I park?
New Student and Family Convocation participants should park in Parking Structure 5 or 6. Parking Structure 5 is close to Cox Arena and you will not be ticketed if you park in student (S) or faculty (F/S) spaces. Do not park in "Special Permit" or red zones. Park in handicapped spaces only if you have the appropriate permit. Parking will also be available in Structure 6, close to the majority of residence halls.

Where do I sit in the arena?
During the ceremony, students and their family members will be seated by college. Students who are undeclared will be seated in "Undergraduate Studies." All Transfer students will be seated in floor-level seating.

What should I bring to Convocation?
Cox Arena does not allow you to bring anything larger than a purse inside the arena.

Will food be available?
Concession stands at Cox Arena will be open and will be selling light breakfast foods (coffee, muffins, etc.).

How long will the ceremony last?
Guests will be leaving the arena at approximately 11:45 am. Students and guests will be recessed in an orderly fashion. Marshals will be available to help direct guests back to the parking structures, and transfer students and their families to the Transfer Student and Family Reception.

Do I need tickets?
No, your invitation to the event serves as your ticket. Please be sure to RSVP indicating the total number attending (including the student) so that we can prepare appropriately.

What assistance is available for making travel arrangements?
We offer special discounts on rental car, shuttle, and hotel accommodations.

Are students required to have completed the Summer Reading Program book prior to New Student and Family Convocation?
As members of the SDSU academic community, it is highly engouraged that all incoming freshmen and transfer students read the Summer Reading Program book prior to New Student and Family Convocation. Doing so gives you the opportunity to experience the kind of work expected of you as university students. It also gives you the opportunity to develop and explore ideas in comfortable environments.

The Summer Reading Program is a component of the Common Experience, which consists of a collection of events and activities throughout the fall semester.

What should I wear?
Dress is casual. Attendees are encouraged to wear red and black. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Can I pick up my E-Z books at the SDSU Bookstore after New Student and Family Convocation?
Yes, you are encouraged to do so. The Bookstore will be open until 3:00
pm on that day.