READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks will begin the 2019-20 academic year with a new tradition for the college – a convocation ceremony for incoming and transfer students. The First-Year Convocation will welcome nearly 350 members of the Class of 2023 to the college. The ceremony will be held on Monday, Aug. 26, beginning at 12:15 p.m. under the tent in the Perkins Plaza, and it is open to first-year and transfer students, as well as all Berks faculty and staff.
For the ceremony, faculty will don their academic regalia. The processional will be led by Jessica Schocker, associate professor of social studies education and women’s studies. Students will be welcomed by Janelle Larson, interim associate dean of academic affairs and Steven Filby, Student Government Association president. Chancellor R. Keith Hillkirk will give introductory remarks and the keynote presentation will be delivered by Ike Shibley, associate professor of chemistry.
First-year and transfer students will be asked to commit to the college’s core values of personal and academic integrity and social responsibility. Immediately following the convocation, students, faculty and staff are invited to attend a reception featuring Penn State creamery ice cream and cake.