All new students are required to attend Convocation (business casual attire is requested), which marks their entrance into the life and traditions of Florida State University. Family members and friends of new students are also invited to attend. At Convocation, new students will be welcomed by the President, Provost, academic Deans, and current student leaders. The ceremony celebrates the history of Florida State University’s academic community and calls upon students to make a commitment to live by the values embodied in the torches on the University seal: strength, skill, & character.
Convocation will be held in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, which is within walking distance from campus. Buses will also be available to shuttle students from residence halls to Convocation at no charge. Buses will begin running at 12:15 pm. A map of this special convocation bus route and the stops can be found below.
Nearby parking will also be available in FSU parking garage #5 at the corner of Pensacola and Copeland (free) and the Civic Center Parking lot ($8.00 fee). For driving directions, visit Driving Directions to Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The doors will open at 12:30 pm, pre–Convocation musical entertainment will begin at 1:00 pm, and the ceremony will take place from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. You are encouraged to arrive by 1:00 pm to allow time for seating and the musical entertainment.
Arriving at Convocation:
New Students: New Students will sit in reserved seating during Convocation. Please enter the Civic Center using the street level doors at the north entrance of the building; look for signs. Students will be escorted to their seats by ushers, and students should arrive inside the Civic Center by 1:00 pm. Travel early, especially if taking the campus shuttle, to allow time to take your seat and enjoy the musical entertainment that will open the program. Doors open at 12:30 pm.
Family Members & Other Guests: Family members and other guests will be provided non-reserved seating at the Civic Center for Convocation. Doors open at 12:30 pm.
President’s Welcome
Immediately following Convocation, new freshman and transfer students are invited to join President John Thrasher and First Lady Jean Thrasher for a reception featuring Seminole spirit and entertainment. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to meet your new classmates and interact with FSU’s Deans and administrators in a fun and dynamic atmosphere. Let your “Student Life Take Flight” as you become a Seminole of Florida State University.
Still Have Questions or Need Assistance?
Please contact us if you need special accommodations or have questions about Convocation. Florida State University’s New Student & Family Programs is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you have questions or need further assistance, Tallahassee–Main Campus students please contact us by phone at 850.644.2785 or e-mail orientation@admin.fsu.edu.
Live Convocation Webcast
Watch the 2017 New Student Convocation Webcast here: http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/fsu-convocation.
Parking is $8 in the main lot.