Welcome back, everyone! I hope this finds you well after a very challenging year of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Starting this fall semester, convocations will once again take place in Phelps Stokes Chapel (Exception: Opening Convocation in Seabury). As has been our longtime tradition, convocations will be held on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. (Distinguished Speaker Series) or at 8:00 p.m. (Stephenson Memorial Concerts).

This fall term Berea students will again be required to attend at least seven convocations in order to receive academic credit. Some instructors may also require students to attend a certain number of convocations for credit in their courses.

Finally, I would like to encourage all students to attend convocations not only to receive academic credit but also for the educational experience and cultural enrichment. Here is what we have learned: when Berea alumni were asked whether they had any regrets, they often shared that they wished they had attended more convocations during their time at the college.

With warm wishes for a successful fall semester,
Dr. Thomas Ahrens, Director of Convocations