Enhancing a Tradition: Students Help Design New Events for Convocation

Smith senior Elizabeth Atkins can still recall the feeling she got attending her first Convocation.

“It was the first time I really felt part of something on campus,” said Atkins, who is chair of the Student Events Committee.“It was like a huge hug from the Smith community.”

She also remembers wishing that group hug could go on a little longer after the ceremony opening the new academic year had ended.

So, when administrators in the Office of Student Engagement approached Atkins and other student leaders earlier this summer for new ideas about Convocation, the students responded enthusiastically.

For the past few months, the Division of Student Affairs has been working with Dining Services, the Student Events Committee and other departments and groups on campus to expand the annual event. Major changes include barbecues in three campus locales before Convocation on September 3 and an outdoor carnival afterwards on Chapin Lawn.

The idea, Atkins said, is to draw more faculty and staff to pre-Convocation festivities, while offering students a way to keep the communal celebration going after the ceremony wraps up in John M. Greene Hall.

“Instead of scattering, we can ride the excitement for a bit longer,” Atkins said. “Student leaders are thrilled to be changing a tradition and making it better.”

Over the years, Convocation has evolved from a chapel reading to an annual spirit rally that features marching, singing, speeches and other expressions of Smith pride.

Tamra Bates, director of student engagement, said that essential spirit will be preserved even while new elements are added to this year’s event.

“At a lot of colleges, convocation is very solemn; but not at Smith,” Bates said. “The Student Events Committee has always done a carnival on the first weekend of the year. Now, we’re making that part of the official welcome to the community.”

Annie Cohen, area coordinator for the Office of Residence Life, said the barbecues will give students, faculty and staff more opportunities to interact before the ceremony, which is expected to draw more than 2,000 undergraduates.

“We’re really excited to be making Convocation more inclusive of the entire community,” she said.

The schedule for September 3 is as follows:

• Kick-off barbecues begin at 5:15 p.m. on the Quad and on Davis and Chapin lawns. The picnic menu includes three-cheese macaroni and cheese, seasoned grilled chicken or tofu, spicy “fire cracker” rice and beans and salads. In the event of rain, the barbecues will move to campus dining halls, except for Gillett, Comstock and Wilder houses.
• Bell ringing and choir singing will be the signal for the start of Convocation at 7 p.m. in John M. Greene Hall. President Kathleen McCartney will address the community, as will Katherine Rowe, provost and dean of the faculty, and Donna Lisker, dean of the college. Greta Stacy ‘15, president of the Student Government Association, will also speak. (Look for a surprise amidst the singing and speeches).
• Following the ceremony, the Student Events Committee will host a carnival outside the Campus Center until 10 p.m. Participants can enjoy an inflatable bounce house, tattoo and photo booths, dancing, ice cream from Maple Valley Creamery and cupcakes from SugarBakers. The rain location for the carnival is inside the Campus Center.
• Afterwards, student house leaders will host activities in the residences. Dining Services will provide snacks and drinks.

As a senior, Atkins said she’s looking forward to experiencing a Smith tradition in a new way.

“Convocation is all about jump-starting the excitement,” said Atkins, who is majoring in psychology and statistics. “The hope is, everyone will leave the event with a feeling of Smith pride.”