Fall Welcome Convocation, August 23

Games, information, lunch to welcome students back to campus

Parkland College will hold its annual Fall Welcome Convocation on Thursday, August 23, beginning at 11 a.m. on the Student Union patio.

This kickoff to the new academic year welcomes new and returning students to a campus community that values scholarship, academic honesty, and civility. A highlight of Parkland's Welcome Back Week for students and employees, the fall convocation informs new students about values of the campus in an informal, fun-filled, and welcoming environment.

Parkland's 2018 Convocation will feature a student club sign-up fair, a "tie dye your own T-shirt" art table, free lunch for the student community (valid ID required), and other activities. WPCD-FM, the student-run radio station, will air its music at the event. 

A new feature this year is Guitar Hero Challenge, where participants have the opportunity to compete against Parkland College President Tom Ramage at the popular music rhythm game.  

Dean of Students Marietta Turner said the convocation is designed to strengthen students' connections to Parkland. "It emphasizes that they are on a journey that begins with their first class and ends with a degree," she said.

"College is where students figure out what they want to do with their lives and get the education they need to achieve their dreams," Turner added. "Convocation starts that process."

The Welcome Convocation is part of Parkland's First Year Experience (FYE) initiative, a campus-wide effort designed to increase retention and graduation rates.