Spring Graduation Events Kentucky Campus, May 12 – 23, 2015
Dear Graduate, Congratulations are in order as you come to the conclusion of your ministry preparation at Asbury Theological Seminary. Much has occurred during your journey here. Friendships have been formed, spirits have been shaped, souls have been healed and minds have been enlightened. Our God has been faithful. May the same rugged faith that brought you to and through seminary carry you higher and deeper into Christ’s heart and kingdom ministry. May the richness of your life in Christ overflow to those you are called to serve. This brochure provides a schedule of events surrounding graduation. Please check the deadlines and RSVP dates for all events listed.
Douglas K. Matthews, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Schedule of Events 11 a.m.
Awards Chapel Estes Chapel
Wednesday, May 13 11 a.m.
Graduates Chapel Estes Chapel
Thursday, May 14 11 a.m.
Graduates Chapel Estes Chapel
Tuesday, May 19 6:30 p.m.
Graduating Couples’ Consecration Cordelia A & B Dining Rooms
12 p.m.
Golden Graduates’ Lunch President’s Dining Room Honoring fifty-year graduates, Class of 1965.
5:15 p.m.
God’s richest blessings,
Tuesday, May 12
Friday, May 22
Advanced Research Programs Graduates’ Dinner Cordelia A & B Dining Rooms For Ph.D. graduates, spouses, mentors, and invited guests (a maximum 4 invited guests). Childcare is available by prior arrangement. Reservations for dinner and childcare should be made by May 7 by e-mail to advancedresearchprograms@asburyseminary.edu or by calling 859.858.2081.
5:30 p.m.
A semi-formal consecration dessert to celebrate the unique contributions of the spouses of graduates. Childcare provided. Please RSVP attendance and childcare needs by May 12th to formation.ministries@ asburyseminary.edu.
Thursday, May 21 5:30–7:30 p.m. International Graduates’ Celebration Sherman Thomas Dining Commons A dinner to honor graduating international students with their families, mentors, and supporters. RSVP Required. Contact beth.clevenger@asburyseminary.edu for information or to RSVP. Childcare available upon request to family.formation@asburyseminary.edu. RSVP for childcare by May 8.
Golden Graduates’ Dinner President’s Dining Room Honoring fifty-year graduates, Class of 1965.
5:30 p.m.
Doctor of Ministry Graduates’ Dinner Wilmore Senior Community Center, Wesley Village For D.Min. graduates and families. By invitation only. RSVP to dmin.office@asburyseminary.edu or by phone to 859.858.2187.
7:30 p.m.
Commencement Concert McKenna Chapel The 2015 Singing Seminarians will honor graduates, their families, and friends. Enjoy a wonderful evening with a variety of music. Admission is free and dress is casual.
Saturday, May 23 8:15–9:30 a.m.
Commencement Rehearsal Luce Center, Asbury University
Required for all graduates. Please assemble promptly to locate your assigned seat. Cap and gown not needed for rehearsal.
10 a.m.
Celebration of Worship Estes Chapel Join family and friends for worship, student testimonies, Holy Communion, and a brief message from Dr. Timothy Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary.
11 a.m.
Graduation Picnic Campus Green Student Leadership Council would like to honor the graduates through celebration with friends, family, and faculty. A free picnic lunch will be provided on the green. Please bring your own blankets. If it rains, we will be in the gym.
1:15 p.m.
Commencement Assembly Luce Center, Room 182, Asbury University Required for all graduates. Arrive promptly for commencement lineup. Faculty will gather in designated hallway of Luce Center at 1:30 p.m.
2 p.m.
Commencement Ceremony Luce Center, Asbury University Guest seating is not reserved. Limited handicapped parking is available; please use the front door drop-off area if needed.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Community Graduation Potluck Bob and Ellen Stamps Community House/ Kalas Village All are invited for sharing of food and fellowship. There is an open mic. for song and testimony. Please bring a dish to pass. This event is sponsored by the Student Leadership Council
Attendance is required at both rehearsal and commencement unless the graduate has notified the Registrar in writing that his/her degree will be received in absentia. If you have any questions, please email registrar@asburyseminary.edu.
Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns must be purchased online at collegegrad.herffjones.com. The prices for regalia are listed on this site. Your order must be placed by April 15th. For PhD graduates wishing to purchase the Asbury Seminary custom regalia rather than the standard “keeper”, the order must be placed online at academicregalia.herffjones.com no later than March 20th. Your regalia will be shipped directly to you. The cap, gown, hood and tassel will be yours to keep after the ceremony. (Students living outside the U.S. should contact our office to make arrangements for having your regalia shipped to the Seminary.) If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 859.858.2197.
Commencement Childcare
Commencement childcare reservations must be made by Wednesday, May 20. Childcare is provided for children of graduates and is limited to children age 6 and younger. To register, email: formation.ministries@asburyseminary.edu with children’s names and ages. Pre-registered children may be taken to the Sherman Thomas Student Center childcare area one hour before commencement begins and should be picked up immediately after the ceremonies have concluded.
Diplomas
Actual diplomas will not be in your folders at commencement. When all grades are entered and records are cleared, degrees will be posted to transcripts and diplomas mailed. Please allow four to six weeks processing time from the end of the term in which you graduate. Doctoral graduates’ diploma mailings can take considerably longer due to dissertation processing. Please be sure to provide the Registrar’s Office with a current address.
Grades
Grades will be posted as soon as they are submitted and may be accessed through the student portal. Grades will not be released over the phone or by fax. Official transcripts can be requested by logging into the student portal and selecting “Order Official Transcript”. Transcripts can also be requested in person at the Office of the Registrar on the Kentucky campus or at the reception desk on the Florida campus. Official transcripts may be requested in advance and held until degree is posted.
Photographs
Individual professional photographs will be taken of graduates while shaking hands with the President and receiving diploma covers. Proofs will be available on the photographer’s website. Further instructions will be given at rehearsal.
Information Services
Seminary graduates will automatically be transitioned to the Alumni version of oneATS and retain their Seminary email addresses. The ATLAS library database will continue to be offered as a resource for research needs. Please contact information.commons@ asburyseminary.edu if you have any questions.
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