CONVOCATION PURPOSE AND MISSION
The Convocation program seeks to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, and social life of the college community by addressing significant issues facing our lives. Convocation programs reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the College and include relevant issues related to family and relationships, current events, worldviews engagement, vocational life skills, both the fine arts and popular arts in culture, and more.
Typically, Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. is reserved for “convo” time, and 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning is chapel time. The scheduling of chapel time is administered by the Chaplain’s office, and convos are scheduled by the Dean of Student Life. In addition to the Tuesday and Thursday convocation and chapel time, RAs schedule special convocations in their respective residence halls, and faculty may also schedule additional special convocations.
Student and faculty participation in the convocation time encourages the development of Christian thought through peer and mentoring relationships. The educational nature of convocation includes the consideration of theological, social, ethical, psychological, and political issues from a distinctively Christian and biblical perspective.
METHODS
A variety of methods may be employed to offer an educational “convo” program. Educational methods for convocations may include events such as chapel, lectures, panel discussions, question and answer sessions, concerts, performances, short clips, and films that have been approved by Student Services.
INTENT
Recognizing that learning is not confined to a classroom, syllabus, or studying for tests, the convocation events seek to reflect an ongoing exploration of new ideas and intellectually engaging endeavors.
Convocations and chapel are viewed in the same light as academic classes. Additional information on convocation and chapel policy can be found in the Student Handbook with details available through Student Services.
The intent of the program is not to enhance attendance at events, nor merely to provide entertainment.
The awarding of convo credit does not consititute the college’s endorsement of the views expressed at the event.
CONVO PROPOSAL GUIDELINES:
- Events should be in compliance and connect with the above stated purpose of convocation as well as
provide a clear understanding of how the event connects to the mission of Montreat College.
- Events will include discussion, lecture, program notes, or additional commentary (oral or written) to help
communicate the importance of an issue, an idea, or artistic expression. We encourage increased
intellectual interaction with the ideas being presented and the participants present at the event.
Therefore, music and theatre performances, film viewings, and other artistic forms of expression should
include a lecture, question and answer time, program notes, or other communication device to help
foster educational connections for the audience.
- Events need to be generally accessible to the Montreat College community both intellectually and
physically.
- In order to offer convo credit, the sponsor must submit the convo request form at least 2 weeks prior to
the event to allow for appropriate consideration and review of request and then publicity for the event.
Resident Assistants must submit their convo request form at least 7 weeks prior to the event to allow for
appropriate preparation.