Middle Tennessee State University will formally welcome its new freshman class of 2025 and new transfer students during University Convocation starting at 6 p.m. Central Saturday, Aug. 21, in Murphy Center.

That special event will feature youth advocate and U.S. Army veteran Wes Moore, author of MTSU’s Summer Reading Program selection, “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates,” as guest speaker. Because of COVID-19 precautions, masks will be required.

The event also will air live at www.mtsu.edu/live, https://facebook.com/mtsublueraidersand https://mtsu.edu/TrueBlueTV. 

MTSU students, faculty, administrators and staff hold up “I Am True Blue” signs during University Convocation in Murphy Center in this file image. New MTSU students for the 2021-22 academic year will be joined by faculty, administrators and guests to recite the True Blue Pledge as part of 2021 University Convocation events. Convocation will begin 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, and all attendees must wear masks because of COVID-19 precautions. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

Convocation is an annual rite of fall at MTSU, designed to bring new students into the learning community and to immediately engage them in the learning process, said Dr. Deb Sells, vice president of student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services.

“Convocation is the book-end to graduation,” Sells said. “Convocation is the beginning. That’s where we welcome new learners into the academic community that is MTSU.”

Wes Moore

Winton Cooper

Bob Gordon

University President Sidney A. McPhee and Sells host Convocation each fall. New freshmen and transfer students will take the True Blue Pledge, which will be led by Student Government Association President Winton Cooper.

Incoming Faculty Senate President Robert “Bob” Gordon, an associate professor in the Department of Media Arts in the College of Media and Entertainment, also will welcome the students.

After Convocation, new students and guests will move to Floyd Stadium for the President’s Welcome Bash for snacks, activities and an opportunity for students to have Moore autograph their copies of the Summer Reading Program book.

MTSU fall 2021 semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 23. The university is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)

After University Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 21, new MTSU students and guests will move to Floyd Stadium for the President’s Welcome Bash for snacks and activities like those shown in this file image, plus an opportunity for students to have featured speaker Wes Moore autograph their copies of the Summer Reading Program book all incoming MTSU freshmen read and discuss in their fall classes. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt)