College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu shared the following message on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, regarding convocation:

Dear Campus Community, 

This year, we have two opportunities for our community to welcome students to campus for our first-year and second-year convocations!

On Monday, August 23, 2021, our first-year students will participate in our annual Convocation program. Convocation is an event that marks the beginning of an academic year. The first part of the morning will be the student and faculty group discussions about the College Reads! Book, The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here by Hope Jahren.

After the group discussions, the students will be led to Porters Lodge and into the Cistern Yard for our Convocation program. As many of you may know, there is symbolism in the students entering through Porters Lodge. Students begin their academic journey by walking through Porters Lodge and conclude their academic journey by departing through Porters Lodge at the end of spring graduation. 

We want to make sure our students are greeted enthusiastically and are warmly welcomed as they enter the Cistern Yard for Convocation. I am asking you to help us line George Street and the brick walkway of the Cistern Yard. In addition to showing up and cheering for our incoming students, please wear Cougar gear or maroon, wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.

Please make your way to the Cistern Yard at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 23, to participate in this energizing welcome experience. Incoming students will begin arriving at approximately 10:45 a.m. and Convocation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes. 

On Wednesday, August 25 at 5:30 p.m., we will host a convocation just for our second-year students who missed their convocation experience last year. Please help us welcome them by coming out at 5:15 p.m. to line George Street and the brick walkway of the Cistern Yard. Again, please wear your CofC colors/attire and mask up. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Executive Vice President for Student Affairs Alicia Caudill at caudillad@cofc.edu or 843.953.5522. 

I look forward to seeing you in the Cistern Yard as we welcome our newest Cougars and many of our returning Cougars!

Sincerely,

Andrew

Andrew T. Hsu, Ph.D.
President
College of Charleston