FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
We can't wait for you to join us for one of our most treasured traditions on campus! In addition, this year, we are hosting an interactive new-student onboarding portion of the day called Catalyst: Your Academic Gateway. Please review the agenda below. Family and friends are also welcome to attend and celebrate with you! We can't wait to welcome you to the Bengal family!
Tentative Agenda Overview:
- 12:00 p.m. - Lunch | Quad
- 1:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. - Learning Experience Sessions 1 - 3 | Rendezvous
- 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Interactive Activity | ISU Campus
- 5:00 p.m. - Convocation | Reed Gym
- 5:30 p.m. - March Through the Arch | Swanson Arch
- 6:00 p.m. - Class Photo | Quad
- 6:30 p.m. - BBQ and Raffle | Quad
Take your first steps as a new Bengal!
Convocation is the bookend to commencement, or graduation. Convocation is a student’s official welcome to their academic career. At convocation we will aim to inspire new students, help them feel a connection to their new university family, and demonstrate ISU’s commitment to supporting students as they pursue their education. All new students are strongly encouraged to attend this important milestone.
The March through the Arch tradition was started in 2000. Swanson Hall, constructed in 1902, was the first building at the Academy of Idaho, now Â鶹´«Ã½AV. The structure was razed in 1973, but the Swanson Arch, the building’s entrance, was saved and now stands on campus. A spirited ceremony takes place each fall when new students pass through the arch southward into campus. In May, graduates look to the future by passing northward back through the arch symbolizing their exit from the university and entrance into new life adventures. Thousands of students have passed through this arch, which preserves a major part of Â鶹´«Ã½AV's history.
