In response to feedback received from many faculty members and students, the approach to what would traditionally be referred to as Convocation is changing to provide more opportunities for faculty to socialize with new students in casual, yet meaningful ways.
A series of activities is planned for this academic year as part of Welcoming Words, including a New Student and Faculty Picnic on September 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sun God Lawn. We are still seeking volunteer faculty and staff from every school and college to participate in this event. All volunteers are encouraged to enjoy the free picnic food and stay for the entire two-hour event.
Faculty
Faculty members from every school and college are needed to engage with new students, eat and mingle. Each designated area will have conversation starters on the tables to help prompt the chatting to begin, as well as a host who will serve as a resource for each school and for the college faculty.
Faculty will check in just before the 3 p.m. start of the event at the check-in area on Sun God Lawn and will be directed to their school’s area.
Hosts
Schools are also asked to designate at least two school hosts to help guide students to conversations and act as the school's main resource person should any questions fall outside of faculty dialogue. Hosts do not need to be faculty, but could be faculty, staff, or those most familiar with their school. Hosts will be fully supported by Campus Life Events staff on event logistics before and during the event. If you have specific questions about this role, please reach out to Nic Alonzo via Teams or email at nicalonzo@ucsd.edu.
Hosts would need to check in at the designated check-in area on Sun God Lawn the day of the picnic and receive their host lanyard to help others easily locate them.
All interested faculty and hosts should register using the online volunteer form.
If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to Nic Alonzo, Assistant Director for Campus Life Events at nicalonzo@ucsd.edu or Megan Navamani, EVC Events Manager at evc-events@ucsd.edu.
