New Student Convocation

This is where your collegiate journey begins!

New Student Convocation is the official academic welcome for first-year students and marks your entrance into the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As a new UL Lafayette student, you will have the chance to learn about opportunities awaiting you in your college. At Convocation, students, administrators, and faculty will share their own experiences and advice — about making the most of your time at UL Lafayette, finding your people, and making your mark.

2026 New Student Convocation

Welcome, Class of 2030! All incoming first-year UL Lafayette students are required to attend New Student Convocation. Convocation will be on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 2:00pm in the Cajundome. Doors will open at 1:30pm. Please bring your CAJUN CARD; students will swipe their Cajun Card as they enter the Cajundome. 

Parking: Students are encouraged to park at Cajun Field and cross Cajundome Blvd. via the pedestrian tunnel. Shuttle transportation from campus will also be available for students who do not have access to transportation. The shuttle will pick up and drop off in front of the Student Union on McKinley Street. 

Attire: Students are to wear their red t-shirt received at Orientation.

Clear Bag Policy: There is a clear bag policy in place at the Cajundome, please plan accordingly.

Class Photo: After the Convocation Ceremony, students will participate in the Class of 2030 class photo. 

What if I have other questions?

Contact the Office of First-Year Experience at ofye@louisiana.edu or 337-482-6599.

Information for Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend New Student Convocation. See all Convocation info for faculty and staff.

Meet the 2026 Convocation Speakers

Ashley Allen Headshot

Ashley Allen (Student Speaker)

Major: Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law, minor in Criminal Justice

Hometown: Gramercy, LA

High School Attended: Lutcher High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: District Attorney and a member of U.S. Congress

Fun Fact: My first name is my twin sister's middle name.

 

 

 

Tafari Beard Headshot

Tafari Beard (Moderator)

Major: Moving Image Arts

Hometown: Zachary, LA

High School Attended: Zachary High School

Classification: Junior

Career Aspirations: Owner of a film production company and Film Producer

Fun Fact: I have a movie on Amazon Prime Video.

 

 

 

Cara Burdsall Headshot

Cara Burdsall (Student Speaker)

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

High School Attended: St. Amant High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: Family Counselor and Family Life Educator

Fun Fact: I am an only child!

 

 

 

 

Brenden Daigle Headshot

Brenden Daigle (Student Speaker)

Major: Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity

Hometown: Lafayette, LA

High School Attended: St. Thomas More High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: I hope to pursue law school and integrate new technological advancements into public policy

Fun Fact: I love creating music- with 15 years of piano experience as well as guitar, ukulele, and banjo over time!

 

 

 

Aniya Hill Headshot

Aniya Hill (Student Speaker)

Major: Marketing

Hometown: Shreveport, LA

High School Attended: Haughton High School, Caesar Rodney High School

Classification: Junior

Career Aspirations: Social media marketing or NIL administration

Fun Fact: I grew up in Germany

 

Sean Meyers headshot

Sean Myers (Emcee)

Major: Strategic Communication

Hometown: Church Point, LA

High School Attended: Church Point High School

Classification: Alumni; Class of 2026

Career Aspirations: Higher Education- Student Affairs

Fun Fact: I love energy drinks and drink at least one a day

 

 

Bailey Nguyen headshot

Bailey Nguyen (Student Speaker)

Major: Kinesiology

Hometown: Lafayette, LA

High School Attended: Lafayette High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: Getting my Masters in Cancer Radiation Planning

Fun Fact: I plan to get into voice acting

 

 

Christian Steward headshot

 

Christian Steward (Student Speaker)

Major: Kinesiology

Hometown: Shreveport, LA

High School Attended: Captain Shreve High School

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: Higher Education Student Affairs Event Planning

Fun Fact: I used to be in the talented arts program for singing and guitar

 

Ava Welborn Headshot

Ava Welborn (Emcee)

Major: Hospitality Management

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

High School Attended: St. Joseph's Academy

Classification: Senior

Career Aspirations: Student Engagement and Leadership

Fun Fact: I've been to nearly 10 different countries!