Graduation - Gordon Conwell
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Graduation

This year’s Graduation dates will be May 17-18, 2024.

2024 Masters Level Hamilton/Boston
Commencement Information

Congratulations on your graduation! We are delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate with you. There are a number of events and details of which you need to be aware.

This graduation webpage is the primary mode of detailed communication for Masters-level graduates for both the Hamilton and Boston campuses, along with the Doctor of Ministry and Latino and Global Ministries programs. However, if at any time you have questions regarding the commencement activities, please contact the Student Life Services office at: [email protected] or 978-646-4071.

Doctor of Ministry students click here for additional information.

Please review all of the information found on this webpage, especially arrival times for robing at Commencement on Saturday morning. The times have been set to allow for sufficient time to go over the instructions for processing, as well as detailed instructions on receiving your diploma.

NOTE: If you have any questions on the day of Commencement, you may call the Switchboard at 978-646-7111 from 8:30am until 1:00pm. The BookCentre also will be open during that time to sell diploma frames, T-shirts, and other GCTS souvenirs.

We are grateful for you and for the joy of the completion of your time at Gordon-Conwell as the Lord prepares you for whatever may be next!

In His Service,

Jana Holiday, Dean of Students

Important Dates

Friday, May 17, 2024: Baccalaureate

Dinner Buffet:

Location: Alumni Hall
Time: Open between 5:00-6:00pm
Tickets must be ordered through Eventbrite by Thursday, May 9, 2024.
Price: $16.00 per Adult; $7.00 per Child ages 7-12; Children 6 and under are free.

Worship Service:

Location: Gordon College Chapel, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA
Graduate arrival time:  6:45pm at the Ken Olsen Science Center
Baccalaureate Service time: 7:30pm at the Gordon College Chapel
Graduates must wear academic regalia.

Graduates may invite up to 10 guests to the Baccalaureate service. We will not be collecting tickets from your guests. The Baccalaureate livestream will be available for those who are unable to attend in person. It will begin at 7:15pm on our website.

See below for additional livestream information.

Saturday, May 18, 2024: Commencement

Location: Gordon College Chapel, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA
Graduate arrival time:  8:30am at the Ken Olsen Science Center
Commencement time: 10:00am at the Gordon College Chapel
Speaker: Dr. Scott Sunquist, President
Graduates must wear academic regalia.

Graduates may invite up to 10 guests to the Commencement ceremony. We will not be collecting tickets from your guests. The Commencement livestream will be available for those who are unable to attend in person. It will begin at 9:45am on our website.

See below for additional livestream information.

Live Streaming and Videos

Baccalaureate and Commencement will be livestreamed from gordonconwell.edu/live. The link also will be shared on our Facebook page.

Important Deadlines

No later than Monday, March 3, 2024: Last day to order regalia. Graduates order their own regalia online, please contact [email protected]If you need the ordering link.

No later than Monday, April 15, 2024: Notify Registration Office via email at [email protected] if you will not be attending Commencement.

May 3, 2024: The final payment deadline for student accounts. Please note that students with a balance due on their student account at the end of the term will not receive their diploma.

May 6-9, 13-16, 2024: Regalia distribution for Boston graduates.

  • Contact [email protected] for pick up details.
  • Out-of-town graduates are encouraged to have their regalia shipped directly to their home when they order their regalia.
  • Graduates unable to pick up regalia during these times can retrieve their regalia from Registration Staff at the Ken Olsen Science Center before Baccalaureate and Commencement.

May 6-10, 13-16, 2024: Regalia distribution for Hamilton graduates who ordered regalia to be shipped to Gordon-Conwell Hamilton Campus.

  • Hamilton graduates may pick up their regalia in the Registration Office (Kerr 371) during open office hours Monday-Friday, May 6-10, 2024 or Monday-Thursday, May 13-16, 2024.
    • Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:30pm, closed for Chapel Wednesday 11:00am-noon.
    • Graduates unable to pick up regalia during these times can retrieve their regalia from Registration Staff at the Ken Olsen Science Center before Baccalaureate and Commencement.

Friday, April 26, 2024: Deadline to submit written work (Masters only; D.Min. students click here).

For Hamilton graduates, no later than Friday, May 3, 2024: Submit your photos for the graduation slide/video presentation to [email protected].

Safety and Security

Each year we reevaluate our safety and security plans, and we would like to make you aware of some continued safety and security restrictions and procedures ahead of time to reduce any inconvenience to you, your family, or other guests.

The continued safety and security restrictions and procedures are:

  1. Currently, masks and social distancing are not required for these events.
  2. No backpacks or strollers will be allowed at Baccalaureate or Commencement.
  3. No packages will be allowed at Baccalaureate or Commencement, unless they are medically necessary. They are subject to a random search.
  4. Unfortunately, balloons will not be allowed at Commencement.
  5. Graduates may invite up to 10 guests to the Baccalaureate service and up to 10 guests to the Commencement ceremony. We will not be collecting tickets from your guests.

Pre-Graduation Logistics

In Absentia

Attendance at Commencement is expected for all graduates living within a 250-mile radius of the Seminary. If you will not be attending Commencement, you must notify the Registration Office via email ([email protected]) no later than Monday, April 15, 2024. Your name will be listed in the program, but not announced.

Name Pronunciation

Your name is important! We want to pronounce your name correctly at Commencement. If you have not already done so on your graduation application, please write out the phonetic spelling of your name and email this to the Registration Office ([email protected]) or stop by in person. We need your help with this task.

Required Graduate Survey

One of the requirements of graduation is completing the Graduating Student Survey. The information you enter into the survey is confidential. We ask for your student ID only, so that we know that you completed the survey. The information you give us is used to continue to improve Gordon-Conwell. The survey must be completed online before graduation. If you are a graduating MA/M.Div./Th.M. student, please click here.

Student Account

Students must insure they have no owing balance on their student account prior to graduation. Students with a balance due will not receive their diploma. To check balances, use the student portal in SONIS and select Financial on the left-hand side of the page. If you have any questions about your account, contact Student Financial Services at [email protected].

Required Loan Exit Counseling

Any student who received a Federal student loan while at Gordon-Conwell is required to complete an online exit counseling tutorial before graduation. Please note that this is a Federal requirement, and that GCTS cannot issue your diploma or transcript until this requirement is met. The Loan Exit Counseling tutorial includes important information about student loan repayment plans and how to contact your loan servicer. The deadline for May graduates is Monday, April 15, 2024.

Students who have received an Unsubsidized or GradPlus loan while attending Gordon-Conwell must complete an online Loan Exit Counseling Tutorial. The Financial Aid office will receive notice from the Department of Education once done. Please go to this link and then LOG IN.

Grad Celebration Event

Hamilton: Join us on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 3:30-5:00pm on the Kerr patio (or the Dining Hall, if it rains) to say goodbye to faculty and other graduates.

Boston: CUME will be hosting our awards ceremony for all graduates on Monday May 13, 2024, at 6:30pm on the BOSTON campus, 90 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA.

Regalia

All who march in the procession at both events will wear full academic regalia. Masters-level graduates will order their own regalia to be shipped either to the campus or their home. Students who apply for graduation will receive a link to place their order. Contact the Registration Office at [email protected] with questions regarding regalia.

Wearing Academic Regalia

It is most appropriate for men to wear ties, as necklines are visible. Women should consider wearing blouses or dresses with buttons so that regalia hoods can be fixed easily to these (instead of pinned). After Commencement, graduates may keep their regalia.

Honor insignia on academic regalia are limited to official pins (Psi Chi pins or other seminary-sanctioned academic honors). Other insignia (e.g., cords, capes, and stoles) or decorations are not permitted.

Students attending the ceremony, but unable to pick up regalia by end of business hours on Thursday, May 16, 2024 may pick up their regalia at the Ken Olsen Science Center either before Baccalaureate on May 17th or before Commencement on May 18th. Please arrive early for pick up and assistance getting robed.

Students who are not attending the ceremony will have their diploma mailed to them at the address on file with the seminary; any student graduating in absentia who orders regalia are encouraged to have it shipped directly to their home.

Care of Academic Regalia

The Graduation gown may be placed in the dryer on permanent press for 15-20 minutes to remove wrinkles. The hood should be lightly ironed.

Please make sure that your regalia fit properly and that the gown has a long extension on the end of the sleeves. Please notify the Registration Office immediately if you detect any problems with your regalia.

Regalia Pick-Up for Hamilton Graduates

Monday – Friday, May 6-10, 2024; Monday – Thursday, May 13-16, 2024 in the Registration Office (Kerr 371)
Times: 8:30am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:30pm
Closed Wednesday 11:00am-Noon for Chapel

Regalia Pick-Up for Boston Graduates

Boston regalia is distributed in the Registration Office/Front Desk of the building.
From Monday – Thursday, May 6-9, 2024; Monday – Thursday, May 13-16, 2024.
Times: contact [email protected] to arrange a pick-up time.
Out-of-town graduates are encouraged to have their regalia shipped directly to their home when they order their regalia.

Location and Directions

Gordon College is located at 255 Grapevine Road in Wenham, MA.

Directions to Gordon College:

  • Take Route 128 North towards Gloucester, passing exits for Peabody, Danvers, and Beverly,
  • Take Exit 48 (formerly 17), Grapevine Road
  • Turn left at end of ramp, going 0.6 mile to main entrance

See Gordon College campus map.

Parking information to follow.

Website: https://www.gordon.edu/

Times and Locations of Assembly

Baccalaureate Service: Graduates will assemble at Gordon College Ken Olsen Science Center auditorium on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 6:45pm.

Commencement Service: Graduates will assemble at Gordon College Ken Olsen Science Center auditorium on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 8:30am.

In order for graduates to be placed within their respective degree programs, it is imperative that all graduates be on time with cap, tassel, gown, and hood. See Gordon College campus map here.

Graduates may invite up to 10 guests to the Baccalaureate service and up to 10 guests to the Commencement ceremony. We will not be collecting tickets from your guests.

NOTE: If you have any questions on the day of Commencement, you may call the Switchboard at 978-646-7111 from 8:30am until 1:00pm. The BookCentre also will be open during that time to sell diploma frames, T-shirts, and other GCTS souvenirs.

Hotel Accommodations

Below is a list of hotels in the area:

Boston Marriott Peabody
8A Centennial Drive, Peabody, MA 01960
877-901-2083

Best Western Plus North Shore Hotel
50 Dayton Street, Danvers, MA 01923
978-777-1700

The Cabot Lodge
278 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
978-998-4460 or [email protected]

Double Tree by Hilton
50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923
978-750-7952

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
1 Newbury Street (US1 North), Peabody, MA 01960
855-516-1090

Sonesta Select Boston Danvers
275 Independence Way, Danvers, MA 01923
833-456-0726

SpringHill Suites Boston/Peabody
43 Newbury Street, Peabody, MA 01960
978-535-5000 or 888-236-2427

Parking

Some parking is available at Gordon College, if needed. See Gordon College map.

Special Accommodations

No Pets will be allowed in the Baccalaureate or Commencement services, with the exception of service animals.

People with Physical Challenges

If you or any of your invited guests have a physical challenge and need of assistance, please contact Student Life Services ([email protected]) as soon as possible to arrange for assistance.

Gordon College has updated their Assisted Listening System in the chapel. It is now a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) system. This means that anyone looking to utilize Assisted Listening (English Program Sound) must bring their own Internet-enabled device, such as a phone or tablet, and headphones. We will have a limited supply of headphones available for check-out. Here are instructions from Gordon that were customized.
GCTS Graduation Assisted Listening Instructions.pdf

There will be a reserved area for those in wheelchairs at Commencement. In order to accommodate everyone, we need to know if any of your family members are bringing his or her own wheelchair.

Professional Photos at Commencement

The Seminary will have photographers taking photos of commencement, including a photograph of graduates after they receive their diplomas. After commencement, the photographs will be available online for download at no cost. Therefore, we ask that students please do not hire their own professional photographers or videographers. Photos may be taken by family or friends only from their seats during events.

Post-Graduation

Diploma Size

11” x 17” The Hamilton Bookstore has a few special GCTS frames. Contact Adam Davis at: [email protected].

Hamilton Campus Mail Boxes

Graduates must close their Gordon-Conwell mailbox and give the Mailroom their new address before they leave campus! This can be done at the mailroom window or online. Only first-class and priority mail sent through the United States Post Office can be forwarded to your new address for up to one year. Please share your new address with anyone who may send you mail or packages. If you live in the apartments, you also must file a change of address with either the South Hamilton post office or by going online to the USPS website.

Career Services & Placement

Be sure to look for professional full-time and part-time ministry positions around the country (and even the world) on our ministry employment website. For helpful resume, interview, and ministry job search tips, visit our Career Services page.

Alumni Services Announcement

Graduation is just the beginning of your lifetime relationship with Gordon-Conwell as an alumni. Visit the new alumni website to find resources that will serve you in ministry and to stay connected to the global  Gordon-Conwell family. As an alumni you can:

  • Access online library resources and databases
  • Audit a class at no cost
  • View forums and chapel services on Facebook and YouTube
  • Request transcripts and graduation verification
  • Serve and connect with others
  • And more!

Be sure to also follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

2024 Networked Education Commencement Information

This graduation page contains detailed information for Masters-level graduates of Networked Education (Charlotte, Jacksonville & Digital).  If at any time you have questions regarding the commencement activities, please contact the Registration Office at 704-527-9909 or [email protected].

Student-Professor Reception & Open House

Date: Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte, NC 28273
Click here for more details and to reserve your spot.

Mingle with professors and fellow students as you celebrate your shared journey. While you are here, tour the Charlotte campus’ theology-themed art exhibits and renovated classrooms.

Commencement Service

Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Forest Hill Church, 7224 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Speaker: Dr. Derwin L. Gray, Gordon-Conwell alumnus, Lead and Founding Pastor of Transformation Church, Author

Graduates should arrive at the church by 9:00 a.m., one hour prior to the start of the service, for robing and instructions.

Service will be live-streamed from www.gordonconwell.edu/live/. The link also will be shared on the Gordon-Conwell—Charlotte Facebook page.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

No later than Monday, March 3, 2024: Last day to order regalia. Graduates order their own regalia online, please contact [email protected] if you need the ordering link.

No later than Monday, April 15, 2024: Notify Registration Office via email at [email protected] if you will not be attending Commencement.

April 30 – May 3, May 7-9, 2024: Regalia distribution for graduates who ordered regalia to be shipped to Gordon-Conwell Charlotte Campus:

  • Out-of-town graduates are encouraged to have their regalia shipped directly to their home when they order their regalia.
  • Graduates may pick up their regalia in the Student Services area during open office hours 10:00am-4:00pm Tuesday-Friday, Apr. 30-May 3, or Tuesday-Thursday, May 7-9 (remote on Mondays).
  • Graduates unable to pick up regalia during these times can pick up their regalia on Saturday, May 11 at the church before Commencement (please arrive early for pick up).

Friday, April 26, 2024: Deadline to submit written work (Masters only; D.Min. students click here).

PRE-GRADUATION LOGISTICS

In Absentia

Attendance at Commencement is expected for all graduates living within a 250-mile radius of the Seminary. If you will not be attending Commencement, you must notify the Registration Office via email no later than April 15. Your name will be listed in the program, but not announced.

Name Pronunciation

Your name is important! We want to pronounce your name correctly at Commencement. If you have not already done so on your graduation application, please write out the phonetic spelling of your name and email this to the Registration Office. We need your help with this task.

Required Graduate Survey

One of the requirements of graduation is completing the Graduating Student Survey. The information you enter into the survey is confidential. We ask for your name only to ensure you completed this graduation requirement. The information you give us is used to continue to improve Gordon-Conwell. The survey must be completed online before graduation. If you are a graduating MA/M.Div./Th.M. student, please click here.

Required Loan Exit Counseling

Any student who received a Federal student loan while at Gordon-Conwell is required to complete an online exit counseling tutorial before graduation. Please note that this is a Federal requirement, and that GCTS cannot issue your diploma or transcript until this requirement is met. The Loan Exit Counseling tutorial includes important information about student loan repayment plans and how to contact your loan servicer. The deadline for May graduates is April 15, 2024.

Students who have received an Unsubsidized or GradPlus loan while attending Gordon-Conwell must complete an online Loan Exit Counseling Tutorial. The Financial Aid office will receive notice from the Department of Education once done. Please go to this link and then LOG IN.

REGALIA

All graduates who march in the procession will wear full academic regalia. Masters-level graduates will order their own regalia to be shipped either to their home or to the Charlotte campus. Students who apply for graduation will receive a link to place their order. Contact the Registration Office at [email protected] with questions regarding regalia orders.

For those who select to have their regalia shipped to the Charlotte campus, students can pick up in the Registration Office starting April 30 through May 9 during our in-person office hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Registration staff are fully remote on Mondays). Students attending the ceremony, but unable to pick up regalia from campus by May 9, will pick up their regalia on Saturday, May 11 at the church (please arrive early for pick up).

It is most appropriate for men to wear ties, as necklines are visible. Women should consider wearing blouses or dresses with buttons so that regalia hoods can be easily fixed to these (instead of pinned). After Commencement, graduates may keep their regalia.

Honor insignia on academic regalia are limited to official pins (Psi Chi pins or other seminary-sanctioned academic honors). Other insignia (e.g., cords, capes, and stoles) or decorations are not permitted.

Care of Academic Regalia

The graduation gown may be placed in the dryer on permanent press for 15-20 minutes to remove wrinkles. The hood should be lightly ironed.

Please make sure that your regalia fit properly and that the gown has a long extension on the end of the sleeves. Please notify the Registration Office immediately if you detect any problems with your regalia

Acccomodations

Tru Hotels (part of the Hilton family with a new property near our campus) has agreed to provide a modest discount to Gordon-Conwell grads and families coming to the Charlotte commencement ceremony. To book accommodations, visit the Hilton website through the special booking link before April 22.

POST-GRADUATION

Diploma Frames

The size of a Gordon-Conwell diploma is 11″ x 17″.  The Charlotte Bookstore carries a variety of frames in this size.  To view options and order frames, stop by the Bookstore Table on Commencement weekend or visit the GCTS Bookstore Diploma Frame page.  Email [email protected] with questions.

Career Services and Placement

Be sure to look for professional full-time and part-time ministry positions around the country (and even the world) on our ministry employment website, MinistryList.

Alumni Services

Join the Alumni community to stay connected to Gordon-Conwell, your classmates and resources we offer to alumni, including study tours, continuing education, ministry tools, and access to transcript requests and graduation verification.

Library Resources

For Alumni Library Resources, visit https://library.gordonconwell.edu/alumni.  If you have questions about library access post-graduation, please contact the GCTS Library at [email protected] or https://library.gordonconwell.edu/contact.

GCTS Email & Canvas Access

Currently, your GCTS email account is yours to keep.  Access to Canvas is not guaranteed after graduation, so we recommend you download anything you wish to retain from your course sites.

Student ID Cards

After graduation, your student ID card will be deactivated, as our entry system can only handle a limited number of active cards.  Alumni may still use their ID card to check out books from GCTS Libraries.  Your ID card can also be reactivated if you are readmitted to the Seminary.

Latino and Global Ministries students participate in the Hamilton and Boston commencement ceremony. Please refer to the Hamilton and Boston tab for more information and see below for translations.

Portuguese Translation   Spanish Translation

Doctor of Ministry (DMin) students should refer to either the Hamilton and Boston or the Networked Education (Charlotte campus) tabs, depending on which commencement ceremony they are attending. For additional information for DMin students, please visit the DMin website.

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