The Truth That is Convocation published in Campbellsville University's Campus Times

To many Campbellsville University students, when the word "Convocation," many reactions occur. Some roll their eyes, some groan, others say how boring it is, and a few mumble. Why all the commotion?

Every student is required to attend 48 Convocations. Convocation is a defined as a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose.

"Convocation is appropriate for students to broaden their education and spiritual horizons," said Vice President of Academic Affair Dr. Frank Cheatem.

"It is designed to bring the family campus together to hear Christian messages from all academic areas the university offers," said Director of Campus Ministries Edwin C. Pavy.

Cheatem said that its design is to focus on the spiritual, recreational, and academic.

The program is mixed in with classes, allowing for students to show up to each one if they choose to.

"Years ago William Devees, the inventor of the artificial heart, was a speaker," said Pavy. "Unfortunately, students complained that it was the most boring convo ever."

For the Spring 2009, there are 40+ different opportunities for students to receive credit for Convocation. A wide variety of different programs, among them include: concert bans, drugs and alcohol programs, resume workshops, career fairs, the Worship Art Conference, ensembles, speakers from various backgrounds, and a magic show.

"Some students may think convo is boring, and it might be, but there are plenty of opportunities, "said Cheatem. "Overall, we have a pretty successful chapel program. With a wide variety, you should something of interest"

"There always seems to be a higher tendency [of students] at the beginning of the semester, and lower towards the end," said Pavy.

It starts every morning on Wednesdays at 10:00 and it usually last for one hour. Because of this, the students that have classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday have the opportunity for one hour to focus on their academics, as well as other things.

To determine what will happen at every chapel, a committee selects what programs will be attending. The committee is made up of nine members, seven faculty members and two students. There are also two more onlookers.

"We ask faculty and staff to make suggestions," said Pavy, "then we select what we like and prioritize."

If a student is a senior and cannot fulfill their academic requirement for convocation, they can view DVDs of previous chapel programs in the library, write book reports, and attend the First Class Program.

Convocation is held every Wednesday during the regular school year at 10:00 AM in the Ransdell Chapel. While attending, you are given a program of what will happen during the program, as well as a sheet of paper to turn in afterward that you sign with your name and student ID. At the end of the semester, all papers turned in are calculated and you will be notified on TigerNet of hours many credits you currently have for the program.

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