Letter to the Freshman about Convocation

August 2008

Dear Baruch College Freshman:

Welcome to Baruch College!  We invite all Fall 2008 incoming first year students to attend a special two-day “Kick-off” on Monday August 25th and Tuesday August 26th that we call Baruch Beginnings.  These two days serve as your official entry into the College.  Attendance on both days is mandatory.  Come to the Mason Hall at 17 Lexington Avenue (southeast corner of 23rd Street, first floor) on Monday August 25th at 8:30 AM sharp for the opening Freshman Convocation Ceremony.  When the entire freshman class comes together at the Convocation ceremony on Monday August 25th, Baruch’s president, Kathleen Waldron and distinguished platform party guests will greet you and you will be officially inducted into the Baruch community of learners.

These two full days of activities include welcoming events, interactive workshops and demonstrations designed to entertain you while they immerse you in the life of the College community.  They also serve as the start of your Freshman Seminar course (FRO 1000) for the semester.  (See enclosed agenda).

  The highlight of the Convocation ceremony will be a lively keynote address by Nina Mehta, Senior Editor of Traders Magazine who will discuss The Namesake, this year’s common freshman reading.  Small group discussion of The Namesake by Freshman Seminar section follows directly after the Convocation.  Go to: http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/firstyear/convocation-baruch.html to find a study guide for The Namesake.  Use this guide as you read the book in the coming weeks.  It will form the basis for the book discussion after Convocation.  

That is only the beginning.  Throughout Monday and Tuesday you will take part in a variety of lively startup activities that will immerse you in the diverse life of the College.  The festivities end early Tuesday evening when student organizations and student service offices will host a Street Fair with numerous activities, including music, dance performances, games, rides, prizes, and a barbecue! 

 While you are attending the Baruch Beginnings festivities, we have invited your parents and family members to attend a Parents’ Orientation and Reception on Tuesday evening August 26th.  Led by the President of the College and the deans, the Parents’ Orientation will provide information about the Baruch experience that every parent should know. 

We expect this event to be an exciting kick-off to your Baruch experience and look forward to seeing you on August 25th! 

Sincerely,   

Ben Corpus
Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management & Dean of Students   

James McCarthy
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mark_Spergel@baruch.cuny.edu

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