Convocation
Belmont’s Convocation program is a shared experience that encourages the development of well-rounded individuals. As a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students, the program reinforces Belmont’s unique mission of providing “an academically challenging education that enables men and women of diverse backgrounds to engage and transform the world with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith.” Through convocation, students participate in various programs that encourage:
• Learning outside the classroom
• Pursuing life-long learning
• Valuing the arts
• Exploring issues relevant to life, culture and faith
• Serving others
• Contributing to community life at Belmont University
With more than 400 programs offered each semester, convocation includes lectures, presentations, discussions, performances, art exhibits and a community service component in which the student chooses his or her own service project(s). All students must earn a specified number of credits by participating in programs in the following categories: Academic Lecture, Christian Faith Development, Culture and Arts, Personal/Professional Growth and Community Service.
Traditional undergraduate students gain credits by attending approved programs that are listed on the official convocation schedule. The student’s Belmont ID is scanned at the program and then electronically transferred into a database that contains an individual student record that holds each student’s credits. Community Service credit is obtained by completing a form that indicates the nature of the service performed and a contact such as a supervisor that may be called for verification. Students who are enrolled in the University College program for non-traditional students may choose the portfolio method that allows them to also gain credits for programs offered outside of the university’s approved schedule of programs.
Requirements
Requirements are based on the catalog under which the student graduates and the number of academic hours transferred to Belmont. Specific requirements are as follows:
Freshmen (0-29 transfer hours)
Category Minimum
Faith Development 10
Culture and Arts 10
Academic Lectures 10
Personal/Professional Growth 10
Community Service 10
Electives 10
Total 60
Sophomores (30-59 transfer hours)
Category Minimum
Faith Development 8
Culture and Arts 8
Academic Lectures 8
Personal/Professional Growth 8
Community Service 8
Electives 8
Total 48
Juniors (60-89 transfer hours)
Category Minimum
Faith Development 5
Culture and Arts 5
Academic Lectures 5
Personal/Professional Growth 5
Community Service 5
Electives 5
Total 30
Seniors (90 and above transfer hours)
Category Minimum
Faith Development 3
Culture and Arts 3
Academic Lectures 3
Personal/Professional Growth 3
Community Service 3
Electives 3
Total 18
• To receive community service credit, students must complete a form available in the Office of Campus Life or through their BIC Account. Students can receive community service credit through participation in an activity serving a charitable mission or cause which is 1) not required as part of an academic syllabus or academic honor society/service organization and 2) does not offer remuneration (pay, goods, services, future career advancement, etc.) to the student. Community service must be done off-campus except for pre-approved on-campus service programs (blood drives, amnesty international letter writing, etc). For assistance in identifying community service opportunities, please contact Volunteer Services at 460-5431.
• Students involved in a Belmont Study Abroad Program are eligible to receive convocation credit for their experiences in the program.
• Convocation events are advertised in a variety of media :
* Convocation Web site: www.belmont.edu/studentaffairs/convocation
* Various bulletin boards around campus
* The university calendar on BIC
