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University Convocation 2020

Welcome to Washington State University. From this day forward, you are a member of the Cougar family. All of us—professors, administrators, advisors, staff, and fellow students—are dedicated to helping you achieve your best.

Promise yourself that you will make the most of your college years. Follow your curiosity. Explore. Invest your energy in pursuing your own priorities. If you stay focused and use your time strategically, you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish.

At WSU, you are among friends. Feel free to reach out if you need help navigating unexpected turns in the path to your degree. Scholars and staff will inspire you to learn, cheer your success, and lend a hand anytime you need it.

Order of Events

Welcome Video

Welcome New Cougs
ASWSU President Curtis Cohen 

Opening Message
President Kirk Schulz

Welcome Message
Provost and Executive Vice President, Elizabeth Chilton

Sophomore Speaker Presentation
TBD

Student Advice Video

Faculty Speaker Presentation
Melissa Parkhurst

First-Year Focus (FYF) Advice
FYF Faculty

WSU Fight Song

Closing Video

Entering Year Pin

Each year, students receive an entering year pin, marking the beginning of their academic journey at WSU. We encourage you to keep this pin, and wear it with pride as you walk across the stage at Graduation. This year, these pins are included in the Welcome Packet with your Convocation Sticker. Students who moved into the residence halls received this welcome packet at move-in. For students who are not living on campus, you can pick up your packets at Lighty Student Services, Building Suite 260 during business hours.

Online Learning Advice

Emma Nankervis
Sophomore Speaker

My advice to incoming freshman regarding online learning would be to focus and listen attentively during lectures, engage with your professor and classmates, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember that online learning is a new concept for everybody, including your teachers, so they will appreciate involvement from you. Your feedback will give them confidence in knowing that what they are teaching is being received by their students, which will ultimately make your online learning experience most valuable.