Join us August 24th as we welcome the Class of 2021

OPENING CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF MATRICULATION – CONVOCATUM EST
Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11:00AM

The Ceremony of Matriculation – Convocatum Est is a part of the opening convocation each semester. It is usually the first ACES (Academic Cultural Enrichment Series) program for the semester held no later than the first week of class.

During this event, all students new to the College (first year students, transfer students and exchange students) are formally introduced to and welcomed by the College Community. The President of the College presides and in addition to welcoming the new students, gives the Presidential Address.

At a designated place in the program, the new students witness their signature in the College Register. They sign the Register prior to the ceremony. The procedures for this ceremony are described in the program.*

A rehearsal for the new students takes place one or two days before the event. The attire for students is white dresses, flesh tone hose and black closed toe shoes. You are invited to select a dress or suit that fits your personal style that is not too tight, too short or too low cut. This requirement serves to uphold the seriousness of the occasion and to support your personal sense of dignity as a new Bennett Belle.

Below are examples of Convocatum Est, class of 2020. For additional examples of white dresses and acceptable ACES attire, please click here. Additional information regarding rehearsals will be provided by the Office of the Provost.

*Traditional Ceremonial and Special Events, Practices and Procedures, August 2001. Prepared by Mary R. Scarlette ’54, Former Coordinator for Special Events, Chief Protocol Officer – 1980 – 2001.