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Welcome

Convocation at Rowan University is a traditional ceremony to welcome incoming students and celebrate the new school year for the University community. This year's Convocation ceremony will take place on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in the Esbjornson Gym with a keynote address from Rowan University alumnus Confesor Santiago III. Confesor received his B.S. in computer science in 2005 and his M.S. in electrical engineering in 2007, and currently works as an aerospace engineer for the NASA Aviation Systems Division in California. We hope Convocation marks the start of a rewarding educational experience in higher education for our first-year students.

About Convocation

By definition, Convocation means a large formal assembly of a college or university. The Rowan University Convocation ceremony opens with an academic procession that includes University administrators, faculty and professional staff. The Grand Marshal — our senior faculty member — leads the procession by carrying the Mace, an ornamental symbol of authority. The President, Provost and academic deans all wear medallions symbolizing their respective positions and colleges. Wearing academic regalia at formal university events is a Rowan tradition. The colors of doctoral gowns and hoods represent the university in which the person acquired his or her terminal degree.

Gonfalons — brown and gold vertical banners — depict imagery specific to each college. The nine colleges and schools at Rowan University include: College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Fine and Performing Arts, Rohrer College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Communication, College of Graduate and Continuing Education, Cooper Medical School and the Camden Campus. The gonfalons’ placement on stage, left to right, marks the order in which each one acquired college or school status. Gonfalons illustrate and symbolize the University’s heritage and scholastic mission.

Rowan’s brown and gold colors represent the Brown-eyed Susans that grew wild in the Whitney estate orchard where Rowan University currently resides. Hollybush, the original Whitney home, now hosts classes as well as special events. Tours are available for students and their parents during orientation.

Student Participation

All student information concerning Convocation is outlined on the Welcome Week website. Please make every effort to attend.

Participating Platform Guests Information

Platform guests should arrive by 9:45 a.m. on Monday, August 29 to Esbjornson Gym. All administrators, deans, faculty and staff are welcome to participate as platform guests. Faculty and staff who own their robes are expected to dress for the occasion The University will pay the rental fees for any faculty and staff who wish to participate, but do not own regalia. Last year 65 platform guests participated in Convocation. If you have any questions, please contact University Events at (856) 256-5432. If you would like to participate as a platform guest, please RSVP your name and department to convocation@rowan.edu.

Robing and Line-Up

Platform guests who own regalia should report already robed to the Esbjornson Gym lobby by 10 a.m. Platform guests needing to order regalia should click here. Board of Trustees members, cabinet members, academic deans, the Master of Ceremonies and the Convocation speaker will line up near the doors leading into Esbjornson Gym. All other administrators, faculty and professional staff will follow.