Harvard Divinity School

Harvard Divinity School
 
 

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Events for Prospective Students

Diversity and Explorations Program | Theological Education Day | Welcome to Admitted Students

Diversity and Explorations Program: Exploring Opportunities in Ministry and Graduate Theological Studies

November 3-5, 2009
Application deadline: September 18, 2009

Prospective Diversity and Explorations applicants may be added to our database for our 2009 program using the Introduce Yourself to HDS form.  

Institutions and organizations may contact admissions@hds.harvard.edu to be added to our mailing list for our 2009 program.

What is "Diversity and Explorations"?

Harvard Divinity School's Diversity and Explorations Program is an initiative intended to interest students underrepresented in the graduate study of religion, with a particular focus on African American, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native American students. The program invites applications from talented undergraduates whose background and experiences suggest a commitment to diversity and social justice issues as well as an interest in ministry, scholarship, or professional careers that are well served by the study of religion, theology, or ethics.

Who Can Participate?

Student speaking at Faith in Boston

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities who have a commitment to diversity initiatives, social justice projects, faith-based programs, and community outreach. Consideration will also be given to students who are the first in their family to attend college or those who have attended a community college as a part of a four-year degree program. Please note: Students who have already graduated from an undergraduate program and those who may be considering second career options will be considered on a space available basis.

Schedule Summary and Program Information

During the three-day program, HDS faculty, staff, and departments will hold open office hours. Program participants will have an opportunity to sit in on classes and meet current students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Andover-Harvard Theological Library will be open to program participants.

The following schedule provides a summary of the program's events. This tentative schedule is subject to change:

Tuesday, November 3

  • Participants arrive throughout the morning and afternoon
  • Participants attend open classes throughout the day and HDS Community Tea in the afternoon
  • Participants attend an informal dinner with current HDS students, Diversity and Explorations alumni, and staff. Diversity and Explorations alumnus to be featured speaker.

Wednesday, November 4

The second day of the program will include sessions especially designed for Diversity and Explorations participants as well as panels, presentations, and open classes offered during Theological Education Day. The day's activities will include:

  • Panels and presentations on HDS programs, resources, and student life
  • Information about admissions and financial aid
  • Open classes and panel discussions for visiting students throughout the day
  • An open house at the Center for the Study of World Religions
  • Lunch with faculty, staff, and denominational counselors
  • Open office hours with faculty and staff
  • Campus and library tours
  • Pastoral Preparation and Ordination: Resources at HDS
  • Dinner with HDS dean, alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. The keynote address will be given by Davíd Carrasco, Neil L. Rudenstine Professor of the Study of Latin America in the Faculty of Divinity and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Thursday, November 5

  • Continuation of panel discussions, including preparing for GRE workshop
  • Lunch with Harvard University graduate/professional school representatives and invited guests from seminaries and divinity schools from across the country
  • Final day of the program concludes by 2 pm

Application, Notification of Decisions, and Registration

Applications will be available online in July. Applications must be received by Friday, September 18, 2009. Selection for the program is competitive and applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Short application
  • Personal statement describing interest in the program
  • Letter of nomination from a professor, career mentor, or faith-based leader
  • Résumé
  • Academic transcripts

Students will be notified by Friday, October 5, regarding their selection. Participants register on November 3 at Harvard Divinity School, where they will receive program materials and a detailed schedule of program activities and other events at HDS and Harvard University.

Travel, Lodging, and Meals

There will be some grants available for travel and all selected participants will be provided lodging for two nights and meals during the program. Travel grants will be decided during the selection process by the committee based on the numbers of participants selected for the 2009 program and the funding available. Once the Office of Admissions has received confirmation of attendance, arrangements will be made with participants for lodging (local students may waive lodging). Participants who receive travel grants will work with the Office of Admissions to arrange travel. Other participants must make their own travel arrangements and notify the Office of Admissions by October 16, providing a copy of the travel itinerary. 

Additional Information

Please note that attendance at the Diversity and Explorations Program does not guarantee admission to Harvard Divinity School. However, participants who are seriously considering applying to a degree program at HDS should contact the Office of Admissions to discuss the admissions process and the suitability of the program to the student's future career and educational goals. Not being selected for the Diversity and Explorations Program will not adversely affect future application for admission to any HDS program.


Theological Education Day: An Open House for Prospective Students

November 4, 2009

Students relaxing outside

Each year Harvard Divinity School welcomes prospective students to Theological Education Day. This day-long event is open to anyone interested in learning more about Harvard Divinity School's academic programs and community life.

The day's schedule ordinarily includes:

  • Information about admissions, financial aid, and career services
  • Open classes for visiting students throughout the day
  • Panel discussions
  • An open house at the Center for the Study of World Religions
  • Lunch with faculty, staff, and denominational counselors
  • Open office hours with faculty and staff
  • Opportunities for worship, meditation, and prayer
  • Campus and library tours

Last year's event included two new panels:

  • Pastoral Preparation and Ordination: Resources at HDS
  • Applying to HDS at Mid-Career

Welcome to Admitted Students

April 2010

Each year, in April, we host a day-long event for students who have been admitted to HDS. This spring welcome usually begins with an evening reception for those arriving the day before. A typical schedule includes:

  • Class visitation
  • Panel discussion on student services and housing
  • Campus and library tours
  • Panel discussions on degree programs and field education
  • Lunch with HDS students, faculty, and staff
  • Financial Aid Forum

Detailed information about registering for this event will be included with the letter of admission.

Photographs: Student during a Faith in Boston 2004 event; students relaxing outside after the 2006 Convocation ceremony. Photographs by Stephanie Mitchell and Marcus Halevi.

 

 
 

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