New Student Convocation
New Student Convocation is a celebration of university life and the academic traditions of Loyola. Convocation is an annual tradition where all new undergraduate students (first-year and transfer) officially begin their academic careers as Ramblers. Students are welcomed to the university community by the President, Provost, faculty, staff, student leaders, and a keynote speaker.
The rich tradition of Loyola's Cudahy Library Green Doors serves as a bookend marking both the beginning and completion of a student's undergraduate journey. The Cudahy Library Green Doors open just twice a year: during New Student Convocation when incoming first year and transfer students are invited to enter though the Green Doors; and during Commencement Week when graduating seniors exit through the Green Doors after the Senior Toast.
New Student Convocation consists of two parts:
- Pre-Ceremony Welcome: Students arrive on East Quad to be welcomed by the university community and begin their processional from East Quad, through the Cudahy Library Green Doors, and into Gentile Arena
- Convocation ceremony: new students hear from the President and other special guests and are welcomed by the faculty
2026 New Student Convocation
Friday, August 21, at 3:00PM Central Time in the Gentile Arena
The Loyola community is invited to a cookout on West Quad from 12:00 - 1:40 p.m. At 1:40 p.m., new students will be guided to the East Quad to begin their procession through the green doors of Cudahy Library, and enter Gentile Arena for the Convocation Ceremony starting at 3:00 p.m.
Students do not need to register for the event. More information will be shared via email in August.
New Student Convocation is a celebration of university life and the academic traditions of Loyola. Convocation is an annual tradition where all new undergraduate students (first-year and transfer) officially begin their academic careers as Ramblers. Students are welcomed to the university community by the President, Provost, faculty, staff, student leaders, and a keynote speaker.
The rich tradition of Loyola's Cudahy Library Green Doors serves as a bookend marking both the beginning and completion of a student's undergraduate journey. The Cudahy Library Green Doors open just twice a year: during New Student Convocation when incoming first year and transfer students are invited to enter though the Green Doors; and during Commencement Week when graduating seniors exit through the Green Doors after the Senior Toast.
New Student Convocation consists of two parts:
- Pre-Ceremony Welcome: Students arrive on East Quad to be welcomed by the university community and begin their processional from East Quad, through the Cudahy Library Green Doors, and into Gentile Arena
- Convocation ceremony: new students hear from the President and other special guests and are welcomed by the faculty