Take a Look at the First Campus Scenes of Autumn Quarter

The University of Cincinnati is projecting an enrollment of 35,315 students this fall, exceeding last year’s 35,244 student enrollment which was the highest in 15 years.

At Sunday’s Convocation ceremony at Fifth Third Arena, UC President Nancy L. Zimpher told first-year students that they made up the best-prepared class for academic success. Those qualities include an average score of 24 on the ACT – the highest ever recorded for an incoming class.

President Zimpher remarked on the rituals of the university, such as Convocation. She told the students the most important ritual for the students will be the day they graduate. “Commencement is the momentous occasion you and your family are looking for. It is the goal.”

UC’s new standards for academic success begin with the incoming freshman class – a UC|21 strategy to build on quality, retention and graduation. At Convocation, Associate Professor of Psychology Kenneth Ghee promised the students that “the UC faculty will meet you on the front lines in the academy and we are going to dance the dance of intellectuals.”

A surprise guest speaker, Bearcats Basketball Coach Mick Cronin, encouraged the students to get involved on campus and join the excitement of cheering on the Bearcats in the Big East – “the toughest, most challenging conference in America.” He also told students to “Stay focused on why you’re here, which is to get your education.”

“Today’s your independence day,” said Student Body President Jerry Tsai. “Your UC story starts now. What you put into it is exactly what you get out of it.”

At the end of the ceremony, the new students fastened the UC pins they received at Orientation. Hundreds of flags that they created at Orientation to depict a Just Community were dramatically raised as one large class banner.

Other scenes of campus activity include UC’s Hall Opening Team assisting students moving into the residence halls and the Ask Me Ambassadors at work as the first day of classes got underway.

Watch the Webcast of UC Convocation.

Related: UC Welcomes Another Record Class