More than 6,600 incoming students are invited to the New Student Convocation ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at the Save Mart Center to officially mark the start of their academic journeys at Fresno State and be welcomed as part of the campus community.

With classes set to begin Tuesday, Aug. 22, the University will welcome a projected 3,500 incoming freshmen, 2,100 transfers and 1,000 new graduate students for the fall semester at the free event that is open to new students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff. The projected total enrollment this fall is nearly 25,000 students (official enrollment figures will be released in late September).

In addition to remarks form Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro and Blake Zante, president of Associated Students Inc., the event will feature the Bulldog Marching Band, student dancers and singers, including Fresno State music graduate student Alejandra Tejeda who will perform the National Anthem.

Jes Therkelsen, a faculty member in media, communications and journalism, will deliver the keynote address on the topic of curiosity.

The Bulldog Bash after-party with food, music and games follows in the Student Recreation Center and surrounding the Save Mart Center and will include a “ninja warrior course” (18 and over — Fresno State and government ID required to participate in inflatables and obstacle course). Students will receive a free Fresno State T-shirt and other items and be entered to win prizes.

The new students will first gather at 2:30 p.m. at the northwest doors of the Save Mart Center (near box office) and will be greeted by a welcome line of faculty, staff and alumni who will be cheering and high-fiving students. Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Frank Lamas, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, will also deliver remarks.

Parking for the event is free at designated parking lots near the Save Mart Center and the Student Recreation Center. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access can call 559.278.2741.

For more information, contact Colin Stewart, associate dean of Student Involvement costewart@csufresno.edu or Amanda Stewart at 559.278.2541.