📣 First-Year Convocation – Welcome to the Penn Community!

Join us for one of Penn’s most memorable traditions — First-Year Convocation, a formal ceremony that officially welcomes you into the Penn community. This special event includes a procession down Locust Walk, inspiring remarks from University leaders, and the chance to celebrate with your classmates at Franklin Field.

Event Details for Du Bois Residents:

Dress Code: Business casual to semi-formal

4:30 PM – Dinner at 1920 Commons

We recommend Du Bois residents grab dinner together before the ceremony.

After Dinner – Meet Your RA Outside Du Bois at 5:50 PM

Receive your W.E.B. Du Bois College House lapel pin and take a quick group photo before heading to meet the rest of the Class of 2029.

6:05–6:10 PM – Line Up at Locust Walk Covenant (Red structure at 39th & Locust)

Please arrive on time so Du Bois residents can line up together.

6:20 PM – Procession Steps Off

Walk in two lines with your classmates, led by the Penn Band and Ceremony Marshals. The procession will travel across the 38th Street Bridge, down Locust Walk, through College Green, and into Franklin Field.

Ceremony at Franklin Field

Marshals will scan your PennCard before directing you to your seats on the field.

Dessert Reception

Immediately following the ceremony, enjoy a dessert reception inside Franklin Field behind the main stage.

🌧 Inclement Weather:
If rain or storms are expected, the ceremony will be relocated to the Palestra. You’ll receive updated instructions earlier in the day if the rain plan is activated.

This is your moment to officially join the Penn community — let’s show up as Du Bois, looking sharp, on time, and ready to represent!