New Student Convocation

Convocation & the Academic Tradition

Combining the Latin words for “a calling” (vocatio) and “together” (con), Fairmont State’s convocation calls together the different constituencies of the university—faculty and students —to affirm our mutual purpose and values.  Originally, the English term convocation referred to a meeting of religious officials who meet to confer about the church teachings and prayers shared among the parishes in a larger community.

Convocation formally opens Fairmont State's academic year as we pause during the excitement of move-in and the fun of Welcome Weekend to focus on students' academic undertaking.  As students take the Academic Pledge, they will commit and dedicate themselves to pursuing excellence at Fairmont State.  The convocation thus forms a bookend with graduation to students' college education.