Around 80 faculty members will be part of UCSB’s official welcome today, Sept. 25, to all students new to the campus. The hour-long convocation ceremony, which begins at 3 p.m. on the Faculty Club green, will be preceded by a performance by UCSB’s first and only all-male a cappella ensemble, Brothas from Otha Mothas.

After remarks by Chancellor Henry T. Yang and other campus officers, sociologist and author Bertice Berry will deliver an inspirational address to an expected 4,500 newly arrived students. “The Art of Transformation: Becoming All You Are” is the title of her talk. Michael Young, vice chancellor, student affairs, will conclude the convocation.

Following the ceremony some 90 faculty and staff will lead 50 discussions with small groups of students in locations across the campus.