Integrating First-Year Convocation into the Orientation Experience: Innovative Strategies to Enhance the Experience

First-Year Convocation ceremonies, also known as induction ceremonies, are often held by colleges and universities to welcome the incoming class of first-year students. The traditional model for Convocation is typically a formal ceremony that mimics commencement. After years of Convocation ceremonies that followed this traditional model, the authors’ institution successfully incorporated innovative strategies to enhance their Convocation ceremony by collaborating with campus partners, integrating engaging and interactive elements as part of or surrounding the event, and adopting a data-informed approach to modifying the ceremony in order to enhance the experience for attendees.