The University of Oregon School of Law officially welcomed the members of the class of 2016 to the William W. Knight Law Center during a convocation ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 20. The occasion marks the beginning of each student's law school journey.

Law school classes officially begin Monday, Aug. 26, for all new and returning students. The academic year for the rest of the UO begins Monday, Sept. 30.

"On behalf of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of our school, I am pleased to offer each of you a formal welcome to our school," Philip H. Knight Dean Michael Moffitt told the school's newest students during the ceremony. "The faculty members are world-class scholars and the administrators and staff are among the best in the business. They wake up every day and spend part of their time thinking about how to help you to make a successful transition to being a professional. We are delighted you are here."

Two additional programs housed in the Knight Law Center, the Conflict and Dispute Resolution Master's Program and the LL.M. (master of laws) in Environmental Law, also begin classes on Aug. 26.