MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University will welcome the newest students to officially kick off their True Blue journey on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the annual Convocation held in Murphy Center on campus.
The Class of 2030 and their families — along with the general public — are welcome to attend the free Convocation to start the 2026-27 academic year. For those who can’t attend in person, the event will be broadcast on MTSU livestream, True Blue TV and MTSU’s Facebook page.
Hosted by University President Sidney A. McPhee, the ceremony begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, and incoming freshmen and transfer students are encouraged to take part in the campus tradition that serves as a formal introduction to their MTSU experience.
“We consider Convocation a bookend. It is the beginning ceremony and graduation is the other bookend,” said Gina Poff, director of New Student and Family Programs.
With the formality of a commencement ceremony, Convocation will step off with a procession of university administration, deans and attending faculty, followed by a welcome from McPhee.
‘So much excitement’ to start the year
For Amy Sayward, professor of history and director of the university’s American Democracy Project, Convocation is one of the university’s most meaningful traditions “on par with commencement.”
“There’s so much excitement and anticipation,” Sayward said, describing the start of a new academic year as a time of “infinite potential.”
The event will also feature keynote speaker Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the summer reading book, “Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters.” The book was chosen in connection to the universitywide observance of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“This book is engaging and takes any reader from what they already know about 1776 and goes a little deeper, exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence,” said Sayward, co-leader of MTSU’s campuswide semiquincentennial celebration.
Sayward said the opportunity to connect students with history and the ideas that have shaped the nation adds another dimension to the ceremony.
“Reading this book and hearing him talk about why he thinks 1776 matters — and having our audience and students think about why it might matter to them — I thought that was a wonderful sort of intersection,” Sayward said.
The Summer Reading Program, a service of the Distinguished Lecture Committee, was created in 2002 to provide students with books that affirm the importance of reading for a successful and fulfilling life, as well as opportunities to interact with critically acclaimed authors.
One of the ceremony’s most significant moments will be the recitation of the True Blue Pledge, now in its 15th year, led by new Student Government Association President Kennedy Garrett. The pledge, begun in 2011, serves as a commitment to the university’s values and community standards.
Following the formalities and fanfare, the incoming freshmen and transfer students will gather on the arena floor for their first official class photo.
“The photo has become a pretty cool tradition,” Poff said.
A busy weekend
To kick off the weekend’s welcomed return of students, MTSU will host the President’s Party in the Corridor from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, near Keathley University Center. Larson will sign copies of his book during the party, which will feature a mix of games and activities.
Students living on campus or in apartments can take advantage of the Free Cycle giveaway set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Student Services and Admissions Center lobby, 1860 MTSU Blvd. Hosted by MT One Stop, the event provides students with essential items for their dorm rooms and apartments at no cost during move-in weekend.
Following Convocation, an MTSU Fraternity and Sorority Life meet-and-greet will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. in Floyd Stadium.
A welcome back movie, “Monsters U,” will be shown starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, in the Student Union Commons.
Classes begin Monday, Aug. 24, marking the official start of the MTSU 2026-27 academic year. Learn more about other upcoming activities for the semester at mtsu.edu/campuslife/connectionpoint/.
— Nancy DeGennaro ([email protected])
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