New Student Convocation

This is where your collegiate journey begins!

New Student Convocation is the official academic welcome for first-year students and marks your entrance into the ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø. As a new UL ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø student, you will have the chance to learn about opportunities awaiting you in your college. At Convocation, students, administrators, and faculty will share their own experiences and advice — about making the most of your time at UL ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø, finding your people, and making your mark.

2024 New Student Convocation

Welcome, Class of 2028! All incoming first-year UL ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø students are required to attend New Student Convocation. Convocation will be on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 9:30am in the Cajundome. Doors will open at 9:00am and FREE grab-and-geaux food and drinks will be available for students. Please bring your CAJUN CARD; students will swipe their Cajun Card as they enter the Cajundome. 

Parking: Students are encouraged to park at Cajun Field and cross Cajundome Blvd. via the pedestrian tunnel. Shuttle transportation from campus will also be available for students who do not have access to transportation. The shuttle will pick up and drop off in front of the Student Union on McKinley Street. 

Attire: Students are to wear their red t-shirt received at Orientation.

Clear Bag Policy: There is a clear bag policy in place at the Cajundome, please plan accordingly.

Class Photo: After the Convocation Ceremony, students will participate in the Class of 2028 class photo. 

Cajun Connection: Later that day, Cajun Connection will be held at 2pm in classrooms on UL ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's campus. All students are required to attend both New Student Convocation and Cajun Connection.

Meet the 2024 Convocation Speakers

Faryal Atif Headshot

Faryal Atif (Emcee)

Major: English

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan

High School Attended: Karachi, Pakistan

Classification: Undergraduate and Graduate Alumni

Career Aspirations: Any impactful work that serves the community.

Fun Fact: I am trilingual, dual national citizen, and work professionally in three different countries

Frank Clavelle, III (Student Speaker)

Major: Architectural Studies

Hometown: Houston, Texas

High School Attended: Hahnville High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: Lawyer, United States Senator

Fun Fact: I am a member of the International Thespian Society

Isaiah Crawford (Emcee)

Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in Pre-Professional Studies

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

High School Attended: Archbishop Shaw High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: Pursue a career in physical therapy

Fun Fact: I love juggling!

Kylee Falcon (Student Speaker)

Major: Finance, with a minor in Spanish

Hometown: Bayou L'Ourse, Louisiana

High School Attended: Assumption High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: After completing my education, I plan to work with the public to enhance their financial situations through financial planning, advising, planning, or management, and prepare for the future.

Fun Fact: Half of my family is from Cuba!

Jacques Laughlin (Student Speaker)

Major: Psychology

Hometown: ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø, Louisiana

High School Attended: ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø High School

Classification: Junior

Career Aspirations: Medical Psychologist

Fun Fact: I can play three instruments including the guitar, drums, and piano.

Ashley Levesque (Moderator)

Major: Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcasting and minor in English

Hometown: Bossier City, Louisiana

High School Attended: Parkway High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: Become a sideline reporter for ESPN.

Fun Fact: I've met Denzel Washington.

Denaecia Lewis (Student Speaker)

Major: Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Psychology

Hometown: Thibodaux, Louisiana

High School Attended: Thibodaux High School

Classification: Junior

Career Aspirations: In the near future, I aspire to work with children and families as a Children and Family Therapist

Fun Fact: I've never been to Texas!

Sean Myers (Student Speaker)

Major: Strategic Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Hospitality Management

Hometown: Church Point, Louisiana

High School Attended: Church Point High School

Classification: Junior

Fun Fact: I was a state officer in three different organizations in high school!

Annabelle Picou (Student Speaker)

Major: Human Development and Family Science

Hometown: Belle Chasse, Louisiana

High School Attended: Belle Chasse High School

Classification: Undergraduate Alumni

Career Aspirations: Special Education Teacher/Boutique Owner

Fun Fact: I'm a black belt in karate.

What if I have other questions?

Contact the Office of First-Year Experience at ofye@louisiana.edu or 337-482-6599.

Information for Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend New Student Convocation. See all Convocation info for faculty and staff.