September 26, 2022
UW’s incoming class, one of the university’s largest and most diverse, welcomed at New Student Convocation
One of the University of Washington’s largest and most diverse incoming classes was welcomed Sunday at the University’s 39th annual New Student Convocation, which returned to Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, for the first time since 2019. The ceremony set attendance records with more than 7,500 students, family and friends filling the arena to capacity.
The incoming class is expected to top out at around 7,250 students, with nearly 15% from underrepresented minorities and 23% first generation, or the first in the family to achieve a four-year degree, according to preliminary university data. Official census information is announced later in the quarter.
UW President Ana Mari Cauce speaks during the ceremony.Mark Stone/University of Washington
University of Washington oceanographer Mikelle Nuwer was the featured speaker. She’s the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Teaching Award and is an associate teaching professor in the College of Environment, School of Oceanography.Other administrators who spoke included President Ana Mari Cauce and Vice President for Student Life Denzil Suite.
Following the early afternoon ceremony, incoming students formed a giant block “W” on the field inside Husky stadium.
Fast facts:
- Preliminary figures show the incoming freshman class is expected to be one of the largest, with about 7,250 students.
- The incoming class also is expected to be one of the most diverse classes ever, with more than 15% of the class being underrepresented minorities and about 23% being first generation or the first in their family to earn a four-year degree.
Incoming UW students listen to speakers during the annual new student convocation ceremony on Sept. 25.Mark Stone/University of Washington
- Around 4,450 first-year students will be from Washington state.
- An additional 1,150 transfer students are expected to arrive this fall, about 80% of whom will be from Washington community colleges.
- UW Bothell and UW Tacoma also welcome their incoming classes, with about 980 and 600 freshmen and about 510 and 640 transfer students expected, respectively.
