Speakers encouraged students to “seize the moment” by getting involved and staying focused as NIU kicked off the school year with the Fourth Annual New

Student Convocation.

The focus this year was to build the students’ academic welcome to the university, said Michelle Emmett, host of the convocation and assistant provost for student

affairs.

Emmett started off the convocation with an introduction of the Platform Party and welcoming new students to the NIU campus. The convocation, sponsored by

TCF bank, was held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom.

Freshman undecided major Abby Schoolman said she enjoyed NIU President John Peters’ speech.

“I thought his speech was very informative. It was an introduction to the campus and life on campus,” she said.

Schoolman thought the most important thing she learned from the convocation was to take time getting to know your professors and counselors.

“I planned on partying, but studying and succeeding in my classes are very important,” she said.

Student Association President Troy Caldwell’s speech focused on the college environment and how to prioritize schoolwork over partying.

Freshman communication major LaRhonda Bagby said she felt she could relate to what Caldwell was saying.

“The convocation made me think more about getting involved with activities and groups on campus,” Bagby said.

Sophomore political science major Sarah Saka said she thought the convocation was very informative.

“I liked when Troy Caldwell spoke because he sounded very educated & he wants every student to succeed,” Saka said.

Bagby was pleased that the speakers told students about their experience at NIU.

“They did not just beat around the bush. They were real truthful with us and telling us the good things and the bad things about the campus,” she said.

Bagby added that she was surprised when 1999 NIU alumna Roniciel “Joy” Molano told the students that it is impossible to have the perfect college life.

“Going to college comes with problems,” Molano said. “The important thing is that you study and work very hard to graduate.”

Freshman political science major Doug Anderson said the convocation did not change his mind about joining clubs or groups.

“I want to join some groups, but first I have to find what is right for me,” Anderson said. “Every group is not for everyone.”

Anderson said his favorite part of the convocation was Molano’s speech because she showed the students the difference between our world and how it will be at NIU and the real world. He added that she made him realize that he was going to be broke for a long time.

Promod Vohra, associate dean of engineering and engineering technology, said he enjoyed the convocation.

“I hope that the students can read the message that they are coming in and they will have a sense of relationship, pride and ownership at NIU,” Vohra said.

Vohra was pleased by the turnout of about 1,500 students.

“The university was excited about the new students,” Vohra added. “And we knew that it was OK to have some ups and downs.”

Emmett said she was pleased with the speakers and the advice they provided.

“I saw a smile on the faculty members and student faces,” she said. “I thought it was a great flow into the Friday Fest.”

Schoolman said she liked that the deans and teachers took their time to talk to the students after the convocation.

Earl Seaver, chair person of the department of communicative disorders, said he thought the convocation was excellent.

Seaver thought that the marching of the platform party was a great touch to the convocation.

“It set the academic stage for them,” Seaver said. “I thought it was an excellent kickoff for their start of the school year.”