GVSU officially kicks off new year Friday

Grand Valley State University officially kicks off the 2008-09 academic year with a pair of events Friday.

First, Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas will present his second annual address to faculty and staff at 10 a.m. in the Louis Armstrong Theatre. That address will be followed by the annual Fall Convocation at 11:30 a.m. in the Fieldhouse.

Fall Convocation is a tradition at Grand Valley that ushers in the beginning of a new academic year. This special ceremony formally begins the academic career of all Grand Valley’s first year students as the university gathers scholars, faculty, family and friends to celebrate as a community.

There will be a processional of faculty in academic regalia to the Fieldhouse Arena at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Convocation Ceremony itself. The ceremony includes performances by the Faculty Brass Quintet, the University Arts Chorale, and several student musicians. Remarks will be given by President Haas, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Gayle Davis, Chair of the University Academic Senate Kristine Mullendore, and Student Senate President Autumn W. Trombka. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a campus-wide picnic at the Cook Carillon plaza.