The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will welcome new students, faculty, and staff for the start of a new academic year Friday, Aug. 17. 

The Freshman Convocation, an annual tradition offered by UA Little Rock Student Affairs to mark the beginning of students’ academic journey, will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the University Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts.

Following the Freshman Convocation, afternoon activities will include lunch, a pep rally with UA Little Rock’s athletic teams, and an organizational fair beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Fitness Center followed by a fashion show at the UA Little Rock Bookstore at 1 p.m.

In addition to the Freshman Convocation, the 2018 Faculty and Staff Convocation will be held from 3-4:30 p.m., also on Friday, Aug. 17, in University Theatre.

Dr. Velmer Burton Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost of UA Little Rock, will introduce new faculty members, while Chancellor Andrew Rogerson will discuss university initiatives and priorities for the 2018-19 academic year.

After the convocation, a Champagne reception will be held in the University Theatre foyer to honor new faculty members.