Harvard Divinity School
Diversity & Explorations Program
November 3-5, 2009
“Exploring Opportunities in Ministry and Graduate Theological Studies”
What is “Diversity and Explorations”?
Harvard Divinity School’s DIVERSITY AND EXPLORATIONS PROGRAM is an initiative intended to increase 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.
How can I be considered?
Selection for the program is competitive. Students must submit a short application, a personal statement describing their interest in the program, a nomination from a professor, career mentor or faith-based leader, a résumé, and official transcripts. Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 18, 2009. 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. Information on the program is available at www.hds.harvard.edu/afa.
Schedule Summary / Program Information
Participants will receive a detailed itinerary at the time of admission to the program and again at registration. All meals are provided during the course of the three-day program. Some of HDS’s faculty, staff and departments will hold open office hours, including the offices of Student Life, Registrar, Career Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, and Ministry Studies. Program participants will have an opportunity to sit in on classes and meet current students, faculty, staff and alumni during meals and at other occasions throughout the program. Andover-Harvard Theological Library will be open to visitors and participants will be provided with information on events open to the public throughout Harvard University. The following schedule provides a summary of the program’s events:
Tuesday, November 3
§ Participants arrive throughout the morning and afternoon; registration; hotel check-in
§ 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, which will be hosted on campus to coincide with the second day of the DivEx program. 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
The day will conclude with a dinner with the HDS dean, alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. The keynote address will be given by Davíd Carrasco, Neil L. Rudenstine Professor for 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 2pm
§ Check-out of hotel; participants return home
Note: schedule is subject to change.
Application, Notification of Decisions, and Registration
Applications must be received by Friday, September 18, 2009. 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. Applications will be available in July at www.hds.harvard.edu/afa.
Travel and Lodging
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 along with a copy of the travel itinerary.
We welcome you to visit our website at www.hds.harvard.edu for information about Harvard Divinity School.
