September 8, 2009 - California State University, Bakersfield will begin celebrating 40 years of service to students and the community by welcoming the largest freshman class ever and their families to campus for its annual New Student Convocation. The event, marking the beginning of the 2009-10 academic year, will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. in the Icardo Center. Students officially begin the fall quarter at CSUB on Monday, Sept. 14.

"The New Student Convocation presents a unique opportunity for the university to welcome new students into the learning community, express our expectations for student learning, and demonstrate our collective commitment to facilitating their success and our belief in their potential to graduate from the university," said CSUB President Horace Mitchell. "This fall is especially exciting as we anticipate a record number of new students. We are looking forward to welcoming them to campus."

The day of celebration and festivities will include a formal convocation ceremony and faculty procession after which students will enjoy lunch, a club/resource fair, and tours of the new Student Recreation Center. Advising and registration for fall classes will also be available. During the evening, students may attend the CSUB men's and women's soccer games at no charge by presenting their student identification card.

The convocation ceremony is designed to complement the commencement ceremony that graduating students experience upon the completion of their degrees. The event will incorporate a procession of university administrators, faculty, staff and student leaders.