Convocation | Penn Today

class of 2027 stage at franklin field for convocation

At Convocation, students encouraged to take a ‘fisheye’ view

Kicking off the University’s 284th academic year, first-year and transfer students were advised to take a wide view during at least some of their time at Penn, expanding horizons and seeing the borderless nature of knowledge.

Front of College Hall lit up with red and blue lights during Convocation with students seated on lawn.

Feeling ‘rejuvenated’ on campus, students celebrate Convocation

Penn’s newest students gathered on College Green on Monday, Aug. 30, to kick off the University’s 282nd year.

A virtual Convocation for Penn’s newest students

Defined by their mission-driven grit and unity as a community, the Class of 2024 is welcomed with open arms—and inspired to ‘make the impossible possible’—during such an unprecedented time.

Amy Gutmann at the podium outside College Hall addressing the Class of 2023

Class of 2023 is ready for liftoff

At Monday’s Convocation, Penn’s newest students were welcomed to the University family. “The very first step in expanding your orbit is reaching out to somebody new,” President Amy Gutmann said.

2018 Convocation - Franklin statue on College Green

Convocation 2018

Welcoming students at a ceremony on College Green, President Gutmann encouraged the Class of 2022 to work together, with each other, and the Penn community.

University Secretary Leslie Laird Kruhly, Penn President Amy Gutmann

At Convocation, students urged to ‘venture boldly into the unknown’

As the sun set before the first day of classes for the Class of 2021, the annual Convocation ceremony, a tradition dating back to 1910, served as a formal welcome for Penn’s incoming class.