Dear SUNY Poly Students, Faculty and Staff,

Convocation will be held in the Wildcat Field House on Thursday, August 29 at 12:30 p.m. The ceremony marks the formal start of the academic year, and also serves as a reaffirmation of our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, and the academic, cultural, and social growth of our entire community.

I am pleased to announce that SUNY Poly’s very own Clinical Assistant Professor and Chair of Undergraduate Nursing Programs, Dr. Francia Reed, will be the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Dr. Reed and Communications and Media Design Adjunct Professor Gretchen Kriesen will also be celebrated as recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

We ask that people assemble at the Field House at noon, as Convocation begins promptly at 12:30 p.m. All first-year students are required to attend Convocation as part of First Year Seminar.

All faculty are encouraged to participate in the procession and should RSVP so that we can ensure adequate seating is available. Regalia is optional, and lineup is in the Wildcat Field House MPR.

As we embark on a busy fall semester, it is occasions like these that remind us of our commitments to academic excellence, our students, and one another. It is a time for celebration, and we look to the entire community to welcome the newest members of our SUNY Poly student body. Light refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.  

Sincerely,
Dr. Andrew Russell
Provost