Convocation is the formal welcome for all students entering the UMass Lowell academic community. This year we will be welcoming the first-year students on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Tsongas Center.

Schedule of Events

Mascot Rowdy the River Hawk wearing a black gown and waving a UMass Lowell flag
  • Processional  
  • Joseph Hartman, Provost Call to Order 
  • Air Force ROTC Detachment 345, Fighting Dogs, Color Guard, Presentation of Colors
  • UMass Lowell Marching Band, National Anthem
  • Casey McCauley, SGA President, Welcome
  • Collin Gallagher, A.C.E. President, MOSAIC and Introduction of Chancellor
  • Chancellor Julie Chen, Chancellor’s Remarks 
  • Provost Hartman, Introduction of Academic Deans 
  • Chancellor Chen, Induction of Incoming Students  
  • Stephanie Nicum, Student Trustee, Introduction of Keynote Speaker  
  • Keynote Speaker, Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce
  • Daia Hansford, SAAC Representative, River Hawk Pride
  • UMass Lowell Fight Song
  • Adjournment, Provost Hartman  
  • Dismissal to Lunch, SGA President McCauley 

2024 Keynote Speaker: Vala Afshar

Vala Afshar

Vala Afshar is Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce, bestselling author, U.S. patent holding inventor, podcaster, columnist and keynote speaker. With over 1 million social media followers, Vala is recognized as a top business and innovation influencer.

Afshar is co-author of bestselling book "Boundless: A New Mindset for Unlimited Business Success." He has written over 700 major media articles and has interviewed over 1,400 senior business executives, startup founders, venture capitalists and bestselling authors on his weekly podcast.

Prior to Salesforce, Afshar served as Vice President of Engineering, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer in the technology industry. Afshar is an electrical engineering graduate from UMass Lowell.

Parking & Tsongas Info

Commuter students can park for FREE at the Ayotte Garage at 11 Post Office Square, Lowell, MA 01852. Please tell the attendant that you are attending the UML Convocation event. You will be charged for parking if you do not mention the event.
Shuttles will also be running across campus. See the Opening Shuttle schedule.
Please review the Tsongas Center building policies and be aware that metal detectors are used for every Tsongas Center event. All bags are subject to search, and large backpacks are not allowed.
You can stay parked in the garage until 2 p.m. when the Engagement Fair concludes.