Convocation 2010: Tell new students what they need to know

The fall semester may seem a long way off, but preparations are already under way for the Chancellor’s Convocation for New Students, and students are invited to become part of the 2010 event.

One important part of the convocation includes a student speaker, who tips new and transferring students on what they need to know about their first year at UW–Madison.

Chancellor Biddy Martin is again inviting students to submit an essay about the things they’ve learned about life at the university.

The winner will be given the honor of addressing some 6,000 new and transfer students at the Kohl Center at the Chancellor’s Convocation for New Students on Wednesday, Sept. 1. The winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate to University Book Store.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 5.

Here are some topics to consider:

• What does a new student absolutely need to know about their first year at UW–Madison?
• What was your biggest challenge here, and how did you overcome it?
• What is the most important — and best — part of life here at UW–Madison?
• What do you wish you would have heard at your own Chancellor’s Convocation for New Students?

These questions are starting points; students are encouraged to write about any topic they feel is important to communicate to new students in their first weeks on campus.

To enter, e-mail your essay to chancellor@news.wisc.edu. Please include your name, year in school, major and hometown. Please limit essays to fewer than 1,000 words. A winner will be selected by early August. If you are chosen you will be contacted.

Visit here to read the essay of last year’s speaker, Ariel La.