Pacific School of Religion

New Student Orientation

The Office of Community Life organizes Orientation to help you move through the unknowns of the coming year with as much ease as possible. All new students are encouraged to attend Orientation Week. International students’ Orientation Week is scheduled two weeks before classes start. Orientation for all other students starts one week before classes start. During Orientation Week, we hope you will squeeze in time for exercise, rest, reflection, and reading the information you’ve received.

At Orientation students will receive:

• student handbook
• access to the online student directory
• resident and commuter information
• PSR programs and resources
• calendar of upcoming events and important dates and deadlines
• campus maps

Orientation begins and closes with worship and small group meetings for support and relationship building. To launch the week, you will receive academic information, meet the faculty, and go on a campus tour. During the week you will learn more about campus life, the Holy Hill community, and PSR’s commitment to advancing racial justice. Times will be arranged for you to meet with your advisor, conduct your financial aid entrance interview, and tour the library. The last day is play day, with organized activities to stay healthy and build social networks.

Commencement

The annual commencement ceremony celebrates the graduation of PSR students each May. Faculty, staff, trustees, and officials from the GTU participate in the event. A reception follows the ceremony. Seating is limited; students are issued passes for friends and family. Commencement is organized by the Office of Community Life, the Dean's Office and the Worship Department.

In the fall prior to graduation, students must file a "Graduation Information" form. Based on this information, the Office of Community Life will order robes, hoods, and graduation announcements. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, the faculty and trustees approve the list of graduates. In July, the registrar mails each student their diploma and a complimentary photo of the whole graduating class.

The Yinger Preaching Award and the Koinonia Awards are also given at the graduation and the graduating class usually announces its gift to the school.

For more information, contact Community Life.