Mississippi State University is celebrating the start of another exciting academic year with its Fall Convocation for new freshmen and transfer students on Thursday [Aug. 22] at Humphrey Coliseum.

Incoming freshmen and transfer students should arrive by 5 p.m. to receive the Fall Convocation coin as a memento of the occasion.

The program begins at 5:30 p.m.

Students will hear from MSU President Mark E. Keenum, Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw, Student Association President Jake Manning and Vice President Emily Case, Black Student Association President Alysia Williams, and Holland Faculty Senate President Randy Follett.

The MSU State Singers and Famous Maroon Band will perform the National Anthem and the university’s alma mater, “Maroon and White.”

A reception will follow in Humphrey Coliseum’s Mize Pavilion, and MSU and Grant Library historians John Marszalek, David Nolen and Louie Gallo will be in the concourse area signing copies of MSU's 2019 Maroon Edition book, "Hold On with a Bulldog Grip: A Short Study of Ulysses S. Grant." In addition, there will be photograph opportunities with special guests who will be announced by President Keenum during the Convocation.