Opening Convocation is the first formal gathering of the first-year students, at which the president and the faculty, all in full regalia, welcome the students to the College. It is also a time for some of the recently promoted professors to be awarded honorary Amherst College degrees. The traditional ceremony involves a formal procession, musicians and a performance by the College's Choral Society.
This event is intended for faculty and first-year students. Upperclass students, alumni and community members are invited to watch via livestream. Video recording and a transcript of Convocation will be made available after the event.