Year Begins with Academic Convocation Aug. 27

08/24/2017 

 SUNY Cortland will open its 2017-18 academic year with the pomp and circumstance of Academic Convocation on Sunday, Aug. 27 in the Park Center Corey Gymnasium.

 All first-year and new transfer students, along with the SUNY Cortland faculty, librarians and professional staff, are invited to participate in this hour-long event, which will begin at 4 p.m.

The concept for an opening academic convocation, modeled after a ceremony held during the College’s earlier years, was developed from a recommendation by the College’s Cultural and Intellectual Climate Committee. The tradition was restarted in 2003. It is coordinated through the President’s Office and, starting this year, through the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office.

 “Each year, SUNY Cortland opens the school year with Academic Convocation,” said SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum. “Academic Convocation is always a joyous occasion. The event signals the beginning of one’s academic career at a new institution."

A dinner, by academic department, follows the ceremony.

“This is a great way to meet and connect with the faculty in your major prior to the first day of class,” said Carol Van der Karr, associate provost in the Division of Academic Affairs. “Your faculty are eager to meet you and look forward to joining you for dinner. It is an opportunity for entering students to be officially introduced and welcomed into the campus community and from that moment on to embrace SUNY Cortland as their alma mater.”

For more information, visit the Academic Convocation website or contact the Special Events Office at 607-753-5453.