Convocation Requirement and Policies
Policy
All full-time students who attend Centre for the entire academic year are required to earn a total of 12 Convocation credits. Students who fulfill the requirement have one hour of “A” figured into their grade point average (GPA) and noted on their transcript. Students who fail to accumulate 12 Convocation credits will have one hour of “U” figured into their GPA and noted on their transcript. Students who are not enrolled on a full-time basis for the full academic year still may complete the requirement by accumulating 12 credits. However, they will not receive a “U” if they do not. (Note: Convocation credits are not credit hours and do not count toward the total number of credit hours necessary for graduation.)
To receive Convocation credit, students must 1) scan his/her own Centre College ID card at a Convocation station; 2) be seated before the program begins; 3) remain present throughout the full program; 4) scan his/her own Centre College ID card before leaving the event. Convocation credit can only be given if ID cards are accurately scanned in and out. Student ID cards may need to be replaced in the Student Life Office if the card does not register in the computer scanning system. It is the students’ responsibility to bring their Centre ID card to Convocations and to make sure the card scans accurately. This policy will be strictly enforced, and Convocation credit will not be given to students who arrive late or who leave early or whose cards do not work in the Convocation system.
Please note that seating may be limited for some events. It is wise to arrive early to all Convocations to ensure that your ID card is scanned, and you have a seat. If all seats are taken, students may not be allowed to enter the Convocation event.
Students directly involved with the performance event, including, but not limited to actors and singers, may receive Convocation credit. The Chair of the Convocation Committee will work in conjunction with the appropriate faculty/staff member(s) to give credit to students.
Students who abuse the system by scanning a card for a person who is not present, or scanning multiple cards, or by behaving in violation of the stated policy will lose Convocation credit. Such deceit is considered a violation of academic honesty and the people involved are subject to disciplinary action by the Associate Dean or the Student Judiciary.
As members of an audience, students are expected to be attentive and demonstrate mature, polite, and civil behavior. Computers and books should not be brought to Convocations and cell phones should be turned off during the presentation. Students exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be told to leave by members of the audience, faculty, staff, or student Convocation workers and will not receive Convocation credit.
Convocation Credit
Most events given Convocation status are worth one credit. Special events, designated as campuswide Convocations, are worth two credits. Any event worth more than one credit will be indicated as such in the Convocation Calendar. Normally, the Opening, Founders Day, and Honors Convocations are worth two credits.
Convocation credit is entered and maintained by computer. Students may check their Convocation credit status by going to the current students listing on Centre Net, and selecting Personal/ Convocation Credit. The individual student is responsible for verifying the computer record’s accuracy and for notifying the Chair of the Convocation Committee within one week of the Convocation in question. Students are urged to check their Convocation credits frequently throughout the academic year. Make sure you plan ahead so that you earn the 12 required Convocation credits. Students are encouraged to not wait until the end of the year to obtain the required 12 credits as unanticipated events may keep you from earning your 12 credits. Students may submit a written appeal within two weeks after spring term grades are available to the Convocation Committee Chair requesting changes in their Convocation grade. The petition must explain all the circumstances of why the student did not fulfill the 12 credit requirement. Exceptions to the requirements are rarely granted. Students are required to follow the letter of the policy and be very careful about monitoring Convocation credit.
Students participating in Centre sponsored off-campus study programs receive Convocation credit as follows:
• Fall Term: six credits
• Spring Term: six credits
• Centre-Sponsored CentreTerm off-campus study programs or internship during CentreTerm: one credit
Students who participate in non-Centre study away programs may petition the Convocation Committee before the beginning of the Spring Term. The Convocation Committee will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis.
Convocation Programs
A schedule of Convocation events will be distributed at the beginning of each term and posted on CentreNet. Any change in the Convocation calendar will be posted in the CentreNeXT newsletter. Students should consult the CentreNeXT newsletter and the Convocations page on CentreNet on a weekly basis to see the most up-to-date Convocation information. The College offers an extensive variety of guest lectures, plays, readings, films, and musical performances through its Convocation series, Norton Center for the Arts programs, and special events. Each term, the Convocation Committee considers Convocation proposals submitted by students, faculty, and staff. The Convocation proposal form and associated deadlines for each term can be found on the Convocations page on CentreNet. The Convocation Committee coordinates the selection of Convocations and is the final authority in all Convocation matters. The Committee consists of at least two students, two faculty members, three administration members, and the Chair of the Convocation Committee.
Questions about Convocation policies, procedures, credits, and requests for forms should be directed to the Chair of the Convocation Committee.