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The New Student Convocation at ��Ӱֱ�� State College (ASC) was a celebration of the many ways students can see their new careers just on the horizon. With the rallying cry “Pioneers are PROS!” ��Ӱֱ�� State reaffirmed its promise of rewarding careers for graduates.  Coupled with proof of a 99 percent employment and continuing education rate and alumni stories of great success, ASC welcomed approximately 1,500 new students during its Week of Welcome. 

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More than 11,000 applied to ��Ӱֱ�� State this year, showing record-breaking interest in becoming a Pioneer. Increased recruitment and advertising brought in higher numbers of transfer students, recent high school graduates, and out-of-state students from as far away as Alaska, along with international students. They join a campus community totaling more than 3,500 students.

Carrie Cokely, Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed the newest Pioneers along with ASC President Steve Mauro and Student Senate President Jalon Rainey. Each spoke on the value of engaging in activities, making new friends, learning from experienced faculty, enjoying hands-on learning for career skills, and tapping into support from ��Ӱֱ�� State’s caring community. 

“All of us here today are pleased to welcome you officially to ��Ӱֱ�� State,” stated Cokely. “We celebrate the beginning of your college career and encourage you to come to any of us with questions throughout your time here.”

Cokely highlighted some statistics of the newest class of Pioneers. 

• Hundreds of students were offered merit scholarships in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, exceptional skills, and extraordinary talents outside of the classroom.
• Fifty-nine of New York’s 62 counties are represented in the newest class of Pioneers.
• Increasingly more students enrolled from outside of New York State, with representation from twenty-seven states and five countries.
• Thirty-three percent of ��Ӱֱ�� State’s new students are the first in their families to attend college.

“Today marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter of your lives,” commented Rainey in his remarks. “You’re stepping into a place full of opportunities, a place where you’ll grow, learn, and discover not only the world but also yourself. There will be late nights, tough assignments, and moments when you feel unsure of yourself but there will also be incredible friendships, exciting opportunities, and moments that will shape who you are for the rest of your life.”

Rainey went on to encourage the new students to, “Be curious, be kind, and most importantly be involved.”

Following the ceremony, students, faculty, and staff gathered at Pioneer Stadium to form the first “A” of the school year (). 

The day also featured an Activities Fair which allowed the new students to interact and learn about the wide variety of student clubs and organizations on campus.

Fall semester classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25.