Current Students

Four students stand together holding up their scarlet and gray tassels they just received as part of the Convocation tradition.

Convocation

Convocation is the official welcome ceremony for incoming first-year students.

Convocation is a student-only event, giving new Buckeyes the opportunity to come together as a class before the academic year begins. Hear from university leaders, faculty, administrators and special guests, and take part in time-honored university traditions. As the only time prior to graduation that the entire incoming class gathers in one place, Convocation creates a memorable shared experience and a strong sense of connection to Ohio State and your fellow Buckeyes.

Convocation 2026

Monday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m.
Adena Hall

Following Convocation, you’ll take a class picture, participate in the bridge walk, and enjoy food trucks and games on the quad. 

Questions? Please contact John Davenport.

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Convocation 2025
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Three students pose on campus following Convocation.
Group of OSU Newark students pose on campus following Convocation.
An aerial photo of students wearing red t-shirts in the formation of a Block O.
A group of six students pose on campus following Convocation.
Students walk across the bridge on campus to receive scarlet and gray tassels following Convocation.
A student poses on campus following Convocation.
A student sits on a bronze bench with a sculpture of Harriet Tubman following Convocation.
Two students on campus following Convocation.
Five students standing along the sidewalk following Convocation.
Students process into the gymnasium for Convocation.
Three students hold up their scarlet and gray tassels they just received as part of the Convocation tradition.
Students walk on campus following Convocation.
Four students stand together holding up their scarlet and gray tassels they just received as part of the Convocation tradition.
Two student entering the gymnasium stop to smile for the camera during Convocation.
Three students sitting in the audience at Convocation pose for a photo.
Ohio State Newark Dean and Director Matt Smith speaks from a podium during Convocation.
An aerial view of the campus with students wearing red shirts in the formation of a Block O.
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First-year students attend convocation on Aug. 25, 2025.
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Convocation 2024
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Dean and Director Matt Smith addresses the audience from a podium on stage.
Freshman students walk across the bridge in the center of campus.
Four female students huddle together for a photo on the campus lawn.
Four students hold their tassels they received as part of the Convocation bridge walk tradition.
Dean Matt Smith and three students form O-H-I-O with their arms.
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Photos from Convocation and the bridge walk and welcome reception following.
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Convocation 2023
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Dean and director of Ohio State Newark William MacDonald stands at the podium addressing first year students.
Students in the crowd form the letter O with their arms above their head.
Students hold up their tassels after completing the traditional bridge walk following Convocation.
Academic advisors stand at a table during the Convocation welcome event on campus.
A student holds up the tassel he received after participating in the bridge walk while students are lined up behind him.
Students hold up their tassels after completing the traditional bridge walk following Convocation.
Students hold up their tassels after completing the traditional bridge walk following Convocation.
Students walk through faculty awaiting them on the bridge for the traditional bridge walk.
Students line up across campus to participate in the bridge walk where they receive a scarlet and gray tassel from faculty.
Students hold up their tassels after completing the traditional bridge walk following Convocation.
A crowd of students walk on the sidewalk on campus.
Students gather on the campus lawn outside the Warner Center for lunch following Convocation.
Three students huddle together to pose for a picture during the post-Convocation lunch outside the Warner Center.
Students play a game of cornhole during the post-Convocation lunch on the patio of the Warner Center.
A female student smiles for the camera among a crowd of students during the post-Convocation lunch on the patio of the Warner Center.
Five male students stand side-by-side posing for a photograph outside the Warner Center.
A wide view of students gathered outside of the Warner Center during the po
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Photos of the 2023 Convocation.