Reminder and Line Up Instructions for Convocation

From Philip Rous, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

We look forward to your participation in Convocation 2011, the formal opening of the academic year at UMBC, Tuesday, August 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Retriever Activities Center (RAC). I encourage you to participate in the academic procession that symbolizes for our talented and enthusiastic new students the community of scholars they have joined. President Hrabowski will address the gathering and Dr. Lynda Dahlquist, Presidential Teaching Professor for 2011-14, will make brief remarks.

REGALIA and RSVP

The deadline for ordering rented regalia has passed. If you own your own regalia, you are asked to rsvp for Convocation today, so that seating can be planned, using the form at my.umbc.edu/convocationform.

Regalia pick-up will take place at the Bookstore beginning August 22. Faculty and staff must pick up their regalia at the Bookstore by August 26. Faculty and staff are asked to return their regalia to the Bookstore after the ceremony.

LOCATION FOR LINE UP

Faculty and staff are asked to arrive for procession line up no later than 3 p.m. The line-up location is the first floor lobby of the University Center (UC). (The UC is located between AC IV and the Meyerhoff Chemistry Bldg.) There will be a table where faculty and staff can leave personal items and a Student Marshal to attend them. However, this will not be in a locked room; for the best security those marching are encouraged to leave valuables in their offices.

After lining up, faculty and staff will lead the procession of new students through campus to the RAC and will welcome them at the doors to Convocation. In case of inclement weather or the threat of it, announcement of an alternative line-up location will be made on the morning of Convocation.

ALL-CAMPUS PICNIC

After Convocation, all faculty and staff are invited to join new and returning students for a free Community Picnic, 4:30-7 p.m., on the Quad. (Rain location will be the Residence Life Dining Hall.)

President Hrabowski and I look forward to seeing you at Convocation – Fall 2011