Convocation

The University of Pennsylvania formally welcomes the incoming class at Convocation, the day before the first day of classes. In 2024, Convocation will be held on Monday evening, August 26th on Franklin Field. This is a student-only ceremony and registration is not required. Registration is required for Staff and Faculty.

Convocation is a Penn tradition that dates in its modern form to around 1894 (and, on an informal basis, earlier). Though the format may have changed over the years, this event is a significant marker in the lives of Penn undergraduates. This is the first ceremony for the entire incoming Class of 2028. They will come together again on Hey Day in their junior year, and at Commencement in their senior year.

THE RED AND BLUE, University of Pennsylvania School Song

By William J. Goeckel, Class of 1896, and Harry E. Westervelt, Class of 1898.

Come all ye loyal classmates now, in hall and campus through,
Lift up your hearts and voices for the royal Red and Blue.
Fair Harvard has her crimson, old Yale her colors too,
But for dear Pennsylvania, we wear the Red and Blue.

(Chorus)
Hurrah! Hurrah! Pennsylvania!
Hurrah for the Red and the Blue;
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
Hurrah for the Red and Blue.