BC Hosts Annual New Student Convocation

Earlier this week, hundreds of new students and their families gathered together on Bakersfield College’s Panorama Campus for this year’s New Student Convocation. This annual event welcomes incoming freshman, first-time students and family members to celebrate the new academic year, preview various campus resources, meet faculty, staff and fellow Renegades, and more.

The event started with a resource fair where attendees could get more information about the services, programs, activities, and campus clubs available to BC students. Each program had an information booth with representatives available to provide information, answer questions, and hand out swag to new students. Students could get information from the Student Health & Wellness Center, the BC Rodeo Club, Financial Aid, the BC Industrial Automation program, and several others.

After the resource fair, attendees were invited to grab some dinner and gather in the Outdoor Theater where they were treated to performances by the BC Cheer Team, a Mariachi Band, and a Ballet Folklorico group. After the exciting performances, BC administrators gave welcome speeches that welcomed new students to the Renegade family and highlighted their excitement for the Fall 2026 semester.

Maritza Gallardo, sister and guardian of a new BC student, was happy to be attending the event with her sister. “This event gives them an opportunity to see what programs are available,” she said, “and it gets them a head start so on the first day of school they won’t get lost or confused.” She was also grateful for the help and information they received. “Everyone has been so nice, and they have provided clear answers,” she said, “we came to get a better understanding of the programs available – and I think we found that today.”

Delany Lugo-Garcia, a first-time BC student who is pursuing an associate’s degree in business administration, was excited to start her journey at BC and attending New Student Convocation. “This event is important because I am getting a chance to meet the staff,” she said, “and to get information about the available resources and answer questions I have. I think it’s really cool seeing everybody come together and meeting each other– I think it’s a great way to start things off.”

The 2026 New Student Convocation was an exciting night of fellowship, comradery, celebration, and food. It was truly a great way to kick off the new academic year. Thank you to all the departments, staff and administrators who helped make this a memorable night for our new BC students and their families.