Convocation & Orientation
Learn how each event welcomes you to campus in its own way—and why new students must attend both events.
Convocation & Orientation Fall 2025
Both Convocation and New Student Orientation are required for new students at Gillette College.
All events are located at the Pronghorn Center
| Convocation | |
| 8-8:45 AM | Check-in & light refreshments |
| 9:00 AM | Ceremony |
| New Student Orientation | |
| 12:45-1:15 PM | Check-in |
| 1:30 PM | New Student Orientation Presentation Please bring personal laptop if possible |
What is Convocation?
To put it simply, the term “convocation” refers to a gathering of people. In the context of higher education, convocation can be described as a gathering of college community members for several reasons:
1. To celebrate new students starting their higher education journey.
2. To officially welcome new students to the college.
3. To formally introduce new students to the college community.
4. To foster a sense of unity and community among the new students.
5. To communicate the college’s mission and expectations to the new students.
6. To create a positive first impression for the new students, rather than immediately subjecting them to the stress of the first day of classes.
What is Orientation?
New Student Orientation (NSO) is the first step in making a smooth transition to life at Gillette College. Our orientation provides you with all the tools and resources you need to navigate your college career. Topics Covered:
- Student Rights and Responsibility: FERPA (federally mandated)
- Campus Safety
- Title IX (federally mandated)
- Student Services
- Information Technology
- How to Pay Your Bill
- Student Employment
- Financial Aid
- Tips for Success From a Faculty Perspective
Due to the requirement to share federally mandated information, which includes important content that colleges are legally obligated to provide, all students are required to complete New Student Orientation (NSO). Failure to complete NSO will result in a hold being placed on the student’s account, which will prevent registration for future classes.