Opening Convocation – Convocations

Opening Convocation 2023 group gathering

Opening Convocation Faculty and staff walking to Skinner Memorial Chapel

Opening Convocation 2023 Student singing the school song

Faculty Process into Skinner Chapel at Opening Convocation 2022

Students blow bubbles from the balcony at Opening Convocation 2022

Opening Convocation 2023 Alison Byerly addressing the group

President Byerly at Opening Convocation 2022

US Senator Amy Klobuchar appears on a large video screen at Opening Convocation 2022

Opening Convocation student section clapping

Monday, September 11, 2023

Carleton’s Opening Convocation is the first campus-wide event of a new academic year. It is a time of joy as we reassemble to engage in discovery and exploration. An important tradition, the Opening Convocation ceremony is intended both to affirm continuity with the past and to embrace new beginnings.

Shortened Class Schedule

Classes will begin on Monday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m. with a special schedule of slightly shortened classes for the day to accommodate Opening Convocation at 3:00 p.m.

Academic Procession

Opening Convocation will be preceded by our traditional academic procession, in which all faculty (including emeriti) are encouraged to participate. The academic procession will assemble at 2:45 p.m. in front of Laird Hall. Administrative staff are also welcome to participate.

Opening Convocation Ceremony

The Opening Convocation ceremony program in Skinner Memorial Chapel on Monday, September 11 will begin at 3:00 p.m. The Opening Convocation Ceremony will be available for viewing via Zoom for those unable to attend. Please register in advance for the online event; after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Opening Convocation. The entire ceremony will be recorded and archived on the Convocations website.

Garden Party at Nutting House

In celebration of the beginning of the academic year and to welcome new faculty and staff members to Carleton College, faculty, staff and retirees with their guests are invited to the Nutting House lawn for a reception following the Opening Convocation. (In case of rain, the event will be held in the Weitz Center for Creativity.)