Levi Bulgar, student executive vice president, and Ann Fritz, associate professor of biological services, agree – the new student convocation is a good way to kick off the school year and meet people on campus.

“I am excited to be a part of this convocation because when you come to a new place it is important to become familiar with the traditions of that institution,” Fritz said. “Convocation is a good way for students to know how we as faculty and professors recognize their achievements.”

The 10th Annual New Student Convocation will be 7 to 8:30 tonight in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Convocation will provide an opportunity for faculty to explain the mission of the university and welcome new students into the community.

Bulgar said convocation attempts to welcome and excite incoming freshmen about their new school year.

“All the faculty dress in their regalia, the student body president will be there as well as the faculty laureate; it’s very interesting,” he said.

Blair Lord, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said this convocation is part of the recognition celebration for the start of the school year and it is intended to have an academic focus.

“Part of the celebration of school starting is the address relevant to new students as part of the expectation for high academic performance,” Lord said.

The address will be given by 2007 Faculty Laureate Ann Fritz. Lord said it will be the highlight of the evening.

President William Perry will also speak at the event.

Perry will talk about the importance of a general liberal education and stress the significance of general education classes.

“The faculty attending was chosen for their viewpoints on how important having general education background is to students,” Fritz said. “Of course, a student’s major is important, but having depth and breadth outside of their major is very important too.”

Fritz said many of the issues that will be addressed tonight are the same as those focused on at graduation but at this convocation the faculty will be welcoming students.

Fritz said she is especially excited for this convocation because Eastern will be welcoming President William Perry this year.

In addition to the speeches, convocation will feature a flag procession.

Bulgar said the flag procession, is a representation of diversity on campus and how the student body encompasses all corners of the globe.

“It’s cool because even though we are in Charleston, where diversity isn’t really thought of, you really do see people from everywhere,” he said.

Bulgar said one of the main reasons why students attend convocation each year is to get a feel for the faculty, meet Board of Trustee members and this year, to meet the new president.

“It is the first year for President Perry and it is the first year for a lot of students so it’s a great getting to know you event,” Bulgar said. “It’s going to be a very productive and successful year if everyone is on the same page.”

There will be a welcoming reception for students to meet and talk with faculty immediately following convocation.