New Student Convocation
New Student Convocation 2026
Register today to attend New Student Convocation!
Bakersfield College is excited to usher in the new academic year with our students! As part of that tradition, BC hosts the annual New Student Convocation. The word convocation literally means a “calling together,” which means you will now become part of the Renegade community.
Beyond welcoming you to the community, we will also provide critical information about:
- Navigating college life,
- The importance of getting involved on campus,
- Making the most of your time here, and
- Strategies for being successful.
- The Convocation activities include a Bridge to BC Scavenger Hunt! Families and supporters will join their student to explore some of our campus resources! Students who turn in completed Scavenger Hunt cards may receive a prize!
Free Parking and Dinner are included (while food supplies last).
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Location: Outdoor Theatre, Bakersfield College, Panorama Campus
Recommended parking: P3 (Solar Lot) at Panorama & Mt. Vernon
Check-in Opens: 6:00 PM
Resource Fair and Dinner: 6:30 PM
Convocation Ceremony Begins: 7:13 PM
Register today to attend New Student Convocation!
For more information email convocation@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Accommodations are available with advanced notice by August 11, 2026, please contact Julianna Mullen at julianna.mullen@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
About the Event
The week before the start of the fall semester, BC hosts an Open House to usher you and your family/friends into the new academic year by visiting the various areas on campus and then lead you into Convocation. We will provide critical information about navigating college life, the importance of getting involved on campus, making the most of your time here, and strategies for being successful. This event comes with free dinner while supplies last, and so much more!
New Student Convocation Ceremony
The New Student Convocation Ceremony part of the evening welcomes you as part of the Renegade community. The word convocation literally means a “calling together.” While Convocation is a great way to connect with other students, faculty and staff on campus, it does not replace the student orientation requirement offered throughout summer and fall. The ceremonies starts exactly at 7:13 p.m., which is military time is 1913, which is the founding year of our beloved institution.
Festivities Include
- A warm campus welcome
- Your "WE ARE BC" Shirt
- Student Organization Information
- Department Resource Fair
- Lots of Information & BC Swag
- Games, Scavenger Hunt, and Prizes!
- Meet your campus leadership, student leaders, faculty, and students
- Renegade Mascot Gong Ceremony (see below)
- Free dinner while supplies last
Renegade Mascot Gong Ceremony
To mark the end of our New Student Convocation, we will hold the traditional Renegade Mascot Gong Ceremony at 7:13 PM (19:13 in military time), symbolizing the year BC was founded. The gong's vibration symbolizes the beginning of our incoming students' academic journey. The gong is once again rung upon confirmation for graduation in the Counseling Center.
