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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?

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
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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