AUGUSTA — The University of Maine at Augusta will hold its annual convocation from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday outdoors on the campus green.

The program will open with a processional of university faculty members dressed in formal academic regalia joined by this year’s student Rising Scholars who will be recognized by President Allyson Hughes Handley during the program.

The program will revolve around the university’s 2013/2014 academic theme of Bioethics.

Michael Grodin, professor of Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights at Boston University will be keynote speaker.

The convocation will feature perspectives on the academic theme by student Al French and faculty members Mary Louis Davitt, a professor of Justice Studies; and Ken Elliott, a professor of Psychology.

Jodi Williams, assistant professor of Information and Library Services will receive UMA’s annual Distinguished Educator Award, and Lisa Botshon, professor of English, will receive UMA’s Distinguished Scholar Award.

This event is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the program will take place in Jewett Auditorium.

For more information or reservations, visit www.uma.edu/ convocation-2013. html.