Convocation
Convocation is an annual celebration at which students and faculty gather to celebrate the official opening of the scholastic year. Originally, “convocation” meant a gathering of the clergy or the divisions of a diocese; however, at the College of Charleston, the word and the event have evolved from their ecclesiastical roots to embrace the intellectual community as well.
The College’s convocation welcomes new students to the liberal arts and sciences community and encourages them to consider their own intellectual journey. This occasion also serves to familiarize incoming students with the College’s academic traditions as well as the institution’s history, symbols and mottos.
As part of convocation, new students pass through the arch at Porter's Lodge and convene in the Cistern Yard to join the College of Charleston community. The inscription on that historic arch reads (in Greek) "Know Thyself."
Convocation for the fall 2023 semester will be held on the Monday, August 21, 2023. Convocation is from 10:00-11:30 am on the Cistern. Students will pass through the arch at Porters Lodge to the Cistern Yard for the convocation celebration followed by Playfair. Students are invited to participate in Maroon Mayhem in the afternoon.
The program is scheduled to conclude around 11:30 am. The program is just for students so families who are in Charleston can make arrangements to reconnect with their student after the program at 11:30 am. You are invited to watch the livestream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58UR0eR39wc) of the Cistern Yard part of Convocation at 10 am EST on August 21.