<p>Because of a likelihood of heavy rain and the possibility of lightning, Brown University will hold its 249th Opening Convocation indoors at the Pizzitola Sports Center at 4 p.m. today. The ceremonial walk through the Van Wickle Gates for entering students will take place tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 6. The gates will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. President Christina Paxson will walk through the gates with entering students at noon tomorrow. (See also <a href="http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2012/08/convocation">Opening Convocation news release</a>)</p>

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Russell Carey, executive vice president for planning and policy at Brown University, sent the following message to the campus community this morning.

Editors: Because space will be limited, please contact Courtney Coelho at 401-863-7287 or [email protected] to arrange admission for reporters and photographers.

September 5, 2012

Dear Brown Community Members,

I regret to inform the community that due to the threat of severe afternoon thunderstorms, Brown’s 249th Opening Convocation exercises scheduled for today, Wednesday, September 5, at 4 p.m., will be held in the Pizzitola Sports Center. It is with great reluctance that we move the ceremonies indoors, but the high probability of heavy rains and possible lightning make it unwise to hold the event on the College Green.

Due to rain plan being in effect, the traditional walk for new students through the Van Wickle Gates will not be held today. However, the Gates will be open tomorrow, Thursday, September 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all new students to enter at their convenience. Additionally, all new students — undergraduate, graduate, medical, RUE, and transfer - who wish to enter the Van Wickle Gates together are invited to do so with President Paxson at noon on Thursday.

Detailed information for participants in this afternoon’s ceremony follows below. There will be limited additional seating in the Pizzitola Sports Center, however the event will be simulcast on-line in its entirety.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Office of University Events at (401) 863-3100.

Sincerely,

Russell C. Carey ’91
Executive Vice President
Planning and Policy

(Instructions for participants attached)

The event will be streamed live on the University’s website as originally planned.