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On Sunday, President Robert J. Jones will greet the University of Washington’s new students at the University’s 42nd annual New Student Convocation within the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. The event is anticipated to attract thousands of students, relatives, and acquaintances.

Initial estimates indicate that the incoming freshman cohort will comprise approximately 7,175 students, with about 4,550 hailing from Washington. Additionally, around 1,650 transfer students are expected to join this autumn, including 1,375 from Washington community colleges, as per preliminary university statistics. All figures are approximate. Official census data will be released later in the quarter.

The event will function as the University’s formal welcoming occasion for new students along with their family and friends. For undergraduates, this gathering will precede your undergraduate Connection Meetings and Husky Kickoff.

New Student Convocation is one of two significant milestones where the University president, the Board of Regents, the deans from various schools and colleges, and the faculty convene for an academic ceremony centered around students. The other notable occasion is the graduation ceremony, Commencement. These two moments represent the key “bookend” events of a college journey.

After the early morning ceremony, incoming students will assemble to create a massive block “W” on the field inside Husky Stadium.

For reporters: Downloadable soundbites and b-roll as well as the “W” formation will be accessible following each event.

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