COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University will welcome its best-prepared freshman class ever with a traditional Convocation 2001 ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, at St. John Arena, 410 Woody Hayes Drive.

At Convocation, new freshmen and transfer students will experience their first academic procession, be welcomed by President William E. Kirwan, learn some of the university’s history and tradition, take a stroll through Ohio Stadium with the band, and learn the words to Carmen Ohio.

During the ceremony, students will receive a scarlet and gray tassel, which is a reminder that at the end of their undergraduate careers the students will earn a tassel with their college’s colors.

For the sixth consecutive year, Ohio State’s freshman class ranks higher in terms of school performance, test scores and other indicators of academic quality. Among the highlights are a greater percentage of incoming freshmen who are National Merit Scholars, more who are class valedictorians, more in the top 10 percent of their high school class and a higher than-ever average ACT score.

WHAT: Ohio State’s Convocation 2001 ceremony.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17.

WHY: To welcome Ohio State’s best-prepared freshman class ever and to introduce the students to university traditions.