New students gathered on the UA Mall tonight to celebrate their new status as Wildcats at the New Student Convocation.

From 6-8 p.m., students could pick up their free t-shirts, get samples of food at Taste of the Unions and visit different student services tables.

Madeline Fuhrmin, a pre-business freshman, Steven Barrera, a political science freshman, Emily Rose, a pre-journalism freshman and Sydney Roman, a pre-business freshman, were among those on the mall at 6 p.m. They picked up their free bear down t-shirts and said they were most excited to attend the sports games, make new friends and become involved in the different scenes around campus.

New students weren’t the only people who attended convocation. Susan Miller-Cochran, the director of the writing program, and Staci Cochran, an English teacher, attended the event with their two children.

“I’m most excited to connect with my students, and to learn as much as I teach,” Cochran said.

The two faculty members said they are excited to become part of the UA community and to share that with their children.

At 8 p.m., students huddled on a stage in front of Old Main to hear from the Associated Students of the University of Arizona President Manny Felix.

“This is just the beginning,” Felix said. “You’re going to love this!”

A video of Wilbur and Wilma being kidnapped played on the screen. Two incoming freshmen, the Wonder Twins, used academics, spirit and the UA lifestyle to break out the school’s mascots.

Along with the video, the UA Pep band and cheerleaders taught the crowd the Wildcat Claw and a few of the cheers, including a cheer where the crowd chants “bear down,” and the famous “U of A” cheer.

Hot Dub Time Machine, or Tom Loud, performed on stage following Felix’s speech and the Wonder Twins’ video.

The concert was cut short due to poor weather.

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