UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS KICKS OFF FALL 2003 SEMESTER WITH SECOND ANNUAL CONVOCATION

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - As part of the First Year Experience for incoming students at the University of Arkansas, the second annual Academic Convocation will be held Sunday, August 24th at 4:00 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Johnetta Cross Brazzell says the ceremony marks the students' transition into the University of Arkansas.

"Convocation is wonderful not only for our incoming freshman, but it also allows our faculty and staff to pledge a commitment of excellent academic instruction and leadership for the upcoming year," she said. "The ceremony replicates commencement, demonstrating the students' ultimate purpose here at the University, and our vow to help them achieve that goal."

Scheduled speakers include Chancellor John A. White, Provost Bob Smith, and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Cross Brazzell. More than 120 faculty members will also be on hand to welcome the University's incoming class, and a Burger Bash on the arena lawn will follow the proceedings.

All media are encouraged to attend.

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 Donna Simon, director for First Year Experience, (479) 575-5002, dsimon@uark.edu

Charles A. Crowson, manager of media relations, University Relations, (479) 575-3583, ccrowso@uark.edu