The Fall Convocation takes an artistic turn this year: “Celebrating the Arts!" — as embodied in the Division of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies (theater and dance, music and the fine arts) and in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on the eve of its 10th anniversary season.

The convocation, which traditionally launches the new academic year, is Monday (Sept. 24), from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall. A reception will follow until noon on Vanderhoef Quad across the street. Everyone is invited.

The Fall Convocation has been held at the Mondavi Center every year since it opened in 2002 — and this year the performing arts center itself is one of the stars of the show, featured in a video about the center’s origin and its importance to UC Davis’ academic mission.

The program will include such convocation traditions as remarks from the chancellor (this year marks Linda P.B. Katehi’s fourth convocation at UC Davis) and the alma mater (performed by a surprise guest artist).

Watch the convocation live from the UC Davis home page.