The University of Chicago community welcomed new undergraduate students to campus this week through a number of activities aimed at introducing them to their peers and their new academic home.
On Sept. 20, new undergraduate students made their official entrance into the UChicago community during Opening Convocation. The event in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel included remarks from President Paul Alivisatos and Melina Hale, the new dean of the College.
In her inaugural public remarks as Dean to the Class of 2027, Hale expressed her gratitude and pride to be taking part in this long-standing tradition. She encouraged students to seek support from the ample resources the University has to offer, as well as from their peers, as they encounter the challenges of the College’s rigorous curriculum.
“Sometimes the hardest thing is understanding what you as an individual need and asking for it. I promise that students and faculty members who you would most look up to rely on network of friends, loved-ones, mentors and support structures,” she said.
“Most of us have not only great intellectual strengths, but also areas in which we struggle. Think about what support you might need and ask for help. And be a support for your friends and others around you.”
Students then said goodbye to their families and joined a bagpipe procession across the Main Quadrangles and through Hull Gate, cheered on my their families and peers in the College.
Watch a full recording of Opening Convocation below.
At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Prof. Christopher Wild will deliver this year’s Aims of Education address—a revered tradition that explores the purpose of a liberal arts education and encourages undergraduate students to reflect on their future in the College. The event will be followed by small-group discussions in residence halls, which will be led by distinguished UChicago faculty.
Learn more about O-Week for undergraduate students right here on the College website.
–This story was first published on the UChicago News website.