You Are Welcome

UC Santa Barbara will continue the tradition of welcoming incoming undergraduate students to the experience of higher education during New Student Convocation, Monday, September 24, from 3-4 p.m. on the Faculty Green.

The ceremonial induction of incoming freshmen and transfer students into the university is a key component of broader campus efforts to communicate and promote the values of a UC Santa Barbara education. It also is meant to build excitement about becoming part of the campus community.

The unprecedented academic qualifications and diversity of applicants to UC Santa Barbara made fall 2018 admissions the most selective in campus history.

Of the freshman applicants admitted, the average high school grade-point average is an all-time high of 4.28, and the average total score achieved on the required SATR test is 1395 out of a possible 1600, with the highest converted SAT and ACT combined.

In addition, of all applicants admitted, 31 percent identify themselves as members of a racial or ethnic minority group. (Individual applicants to UC are not identified to the campuses by race or ethnicity until after admission decisions are made.)

An opportunity to foster a sense of community for new students in the first days of the fall quarter, New Student Convocation is the only campus ceremony for the entering class until commencement. The event last year was attended by more than 4,500 students.

This year’s ceremony will be opened by Dean of Undergraduate Education Jeffrey Stopple and also will feature greetings from academic, administrative and student leaders. As in previous years, faculty members are invited to attend the event in academic regalia.