Reminder: Fall Opening Convocation, Thursday, September 21, 2023

Classes suspended between 10:00 – 11:50 a.m.

The University will hold its annual Fall Opening Convocation, the formal launch of the new academic year, in the Theater of the Arts Auditorium (Bldg. 46) on the Van Ness Campus on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “One UDC—A Public University for the Public Good,” emphasizing the crucial role UDC plays in serving, unifying, strengthening, and enhancing the lives of our community, region, nation and the world. It signifies our continuing commitment to our students, faculty and the larger community to honor our roots as we continue our path into the future.

We are honored to have Maurice D. Edington, Ph.D., the new President of the University of the District of Columbia, deliver the keynote address. It will be an opportunity to hear from the new captain of our “good ship, UDC,” as he sets forth on the next leg in our journey.

Due to continuing COVID concerns, this year’s in-person program will again be capped at 400 people, so pre-registration is requested for all attendees. Wearing a mask is optional. Click here to register and for more information about the event.

Classes will be suspended from 10:00 – 11:50 a.m. For those who cannot attend in person, we will provide live streaming so that students, faculty, and the larger community can attend virtually. We especially ask all faculty holding classes during the morning of Convocation to encourage your students to participate in this University-wide event in person or virtually. 

All other faculty teaching afternoon or evening courses are asked to encourage your students to participate in Convocation so they can also share in this important UDC tradition. We know that your leadership can be a powerful incentive, and you might consider developing an assignment for your students to write a reflection paper on what the Convocation theme and President Edington’s remarks mean to them regarding their own experiences and aspirations.

We certainly look forward to the pleasure of the company of our faculty, staff, and students at the 2023 Fall Opening Convocation as we step into the next phase in UDC’s ongoing evolution. Continuing the tradition which began eight years ago, business attire should be worn for this occasion, not regalia.

As a formal academic tradition that sets the tone for a new academic year and in the spirit of shared responsibility, all faculty are expected to be in attendance. Thanks for participating on behalf of the Board of Trustees and President Edington.