Convocation

<p>We were planning on dropping our son off on Wed when dorms open. Was not sure if it is worth staying in town until Sunday for Convocation. We are going up for parents weekend and several home football games. Anyone been to convocation and if so what are your thoughts about the event.</p>

<p>Tarhounm</p>

<p>Thanks for starting this thread. I had been wondering the same thing.</p>

<p>In the past, the convocation was at the beginning of Seminole Sensation Week, and kids started arriving in dorms on a Sat or Sun, the convocation was Sun, then a week of activities, concerts, picnics, rush and other "Get to know you" type of things happened, with school starting the following Monday, a full week or more after move in. Parents hung out the weekend and then left to go home. This year, move-in starts Wed, with convocation not until Sun. Most students will probably arrive Tues night with family to move in Wed. Then its hanging around for parents until Sunday...with not alot to do until convocation. And trust me, our kids will wave goodbye 2 hours after move-in, and not really need us, certainly not for another 5 days (wink.) I remember hearing convocation was really a nice thing for students and family. Maybe now they just intend for students??? Since we are instate, and D will be going Summer, I figured I might let her go up Fall on Wed, and I'd come the weekend to see if she needs anything and go to convocation. But now, not so sure.....</p>

<p>For our experienced parents, tell us about convocation. And with the scheduling, what do you suggest? Go?</p>

<p>I did not attend convocation but Parent2Noles did so he should be able to tell you more about it.</p>

<p>Convocation is intended to welcome the new class of freshmen to the university. It was held at the Civic Center and we really enjoyed it. It was fairly brief and allowed the university president and ranking faculty to address the new class. </p>

<p>They had graphics displayed of the history of the university prior to the address that was great to see (of course, I am an FSU graduate ;)).</p>

<p>I don't think I'd kill myself to attend, but if you are able I think you will enjoy the event. </p>

<p>The class is encouraged and set apart from all other classes. Specifics of the accomplishments of the incoming freshmen are presented, so everyone leaves quite excited and ready for university work. I was impressed at the quality of the class, and this year will be even better than before. :)</p>

<p>Would it seem "too late" for a student to check in Friday, be around on Sat. to help with anything needed from Walmart, Target. etc, and go to the convocation on Sun? Or will most students want to check in on Wed? Our s is going to summer session, we are from out of state, and it will be too much for us to stay from Tue. - Sun., although we would like to be there for Convocation. What to do?</p>

<p>Since your son will already have attended summer session he will already have established friendships and learned his way around campus so I would think coming later for Fall session would not be a problem other than missing out on choosing which side of the dorm room he gets and possibly some Seminole Sensation activities.</p>

<p>GaNoleMom, Those were our plans exactly until D decided to participate in rush. I think, since he will have been there for summer, and since they have scaled back Seminole Sensation Week (as of now they are not even calling it that...) that it might work. I wonder if that is why they moved convocation to the day before classes start, to spread out arrival times knowing many parents really want to try to get down and back on the W/E and not miss as much work....</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for the responses -- we had high school graduation this week and have been preoccupied! I think our high schools in Georgia get out earlier than Florida. That sounds like a plan...go Friday, leave after the convocation on Sun. My son is rooming with a friend, so that will work out great.
Thanks again!!</p>