Rutgers-Newark’s Largest Incoming Class is Greeted at Convocation Ceremony

The incoming class of 2024, the largest in the 78-year history of Rutgers-Newark, celebrated the start of their university journey at a convocation ceremony filled with music, dance, and words of welcome.

This year, Rutgers-Newark has 2,660 incoming students, including 70 percent who are first-year students and 30 percent who are transfer students. Nearly 40 percent are first-generation students, meaning the first in their families to attend college, while10 percent are from the city of Newark. Nearly 26 percent are from Essex County.

The theme of the ceremony was “Take Flight,’’ and speakers emphasized how a Rutgers-Newark education would prepare them to realize goals and dreams.

“You are here to learn to take flight every day by making this community your launch pad for your future,’’ said Interim Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson. “The first thing I want you to remember is that you absolutely don’t have to do this journey alone. We are here to support you, we will help you – just ask.”

Robinson reassured students that even though the start of college can be intimidating, and they’ll have moments of doubt, they will build lasting friendships and a foundation that will prepare them for the future.

He shared memories of his first weeks as a first-year Rutgers student in the 1980s.