Overview for University College

University College is a separate, non-traditional program for adults pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies, a Professional Bachelor of Business Administration degree, or the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Due to the nature of this non-traditional program, the method for meeting requirements has been slightly altered. If you are not in one of the special programs mentioned above, the following information does not apply to you.

Vision & Mission
The Vision of Belmont's Convocation program is to be a shared experience that encourages the development of well-rounded individuals. Convocation 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." The Mission of Convocation is to 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

Content
Students attend a predetermined number of programs in various categories. Requirements vary based on when the student entered Belmont and the number of hours transferred in at that time. Convocation includes a variety of experiences in the following categories:

  • Academic Lecture: A program with a primary focus on the presentation of academic or intellectual information.
  • Christian Faith Development: A program with a primary focus on enhancing a student's spiritual development.
  • Culture & Arts: A program with a primary focus on cross-cultural experiences or the visual and performing arts.
    *Study Abroad Credit: Students may receive two hours of credit in the "Culture & Arts" category for each academic credit hour completed in a Study Abroad program, up to a total of 30 convocation credits.
  • Personal/Professional Growth: A program with a primary focus on enhancing students' emotional development, personal skills, or professional competencies or opportunities.
  • Community Service: An activity which…
    1. Is not required as part of academic syllabus.*
    2. Is not required as part of an academic honor society.
    3. Does not offer remuneration to a student.
    4. Is of benefit to the university or greater community.
      *Service-Learning Credit: Due to the emphasis that Belmont places on service-learning programs, students are allowed to earn convocation credit in the community service category in addition to the class credit they receive for their participation in Belmont-sponsored service-learning opportunities.

Process
Students in the University College program may gain credits by one of two methods. They may attend approved on-campus programs in the various categories that are listed on the Convocation website. Programs include departmental or faculty lectures, guest speakers, musical events, art exhibits, etc. The student's ID is scanned at the program and then electronically transferred into a database of individual student records that holds each student's credits.

The other option for gaining credits is to attend some event off-campus that fits the intent of the Convocation program and category descriptions listed above and then submit a brief reflective narrative on that event. Details on what constitutes a reflective narrative are found on the approved Portfolio Form.

All Community Service credit is obtained by completing a different form-called the Community Service Form-that indicates the nature of the service performed and lists a contact such as a supervisor who may be called for verification.

Please note that a Faith Development or a Culture and Arts event may last three hours, but it only counts for one Convo credit hour. Only Community Service activities feature an hour-by-hour correlation.

Graduation
Convocation is a graduation requirement and students have not graduated for failure to complete their convocation requirements. It is very important that students keep track of their credits. These credits may be checked via the Convocation website or in the Office of Student Affairs or Belmont Central.