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 ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵ. As a new UL Lafayette 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 Lafayette, finding your people, and making your mark.
2024 New Student Convocation
Welcome, Class of 2028! All incoming first-year UL Lafayette 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 Lafayette's campus. All students are required to attend both New Student Convocation and Cajun Connection.
Meet the 2024 Convocation Speakers
| 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: Lafayette, Louisiana High School Attended: Lafayette 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.
