Convocation Chapel to Mark Start of Academic Year

Published August 25, 2017

Online students began their first fall classes of the year last week. Student-athletes and undergraduate student leaders have already settled on campus. New students arrive today for Welcome Weekend. But the official start of Clarks Summit University’s 2017-18 academic year comes Monday, August 28, during Convocation Chapel.

This milestone ceremony is a formal event, which brings the entire on-campus student body together for the first time with professors, university leaders and staff members. Professors don academic regalia and typically reserve time to surround students in prayer.

Dr. Bill Higley, dean of academics, appreciates how the event emphasizes “the importance of the formalities of higher education and that we are part of a greater community of higher of education, but with a unique, God-given mission.”

Dr. Jim Lytle, CSU president, leads the opening chapel. He says, “It’s a great way to get us all on the same page at the start. We highlight our faculty’s powerful academic credentials and the centrality of Christ in all we do. It helps the students understand how our mission helps them step into God’s design for their career.”

This year nearly 800 students will start classes at Clarks Summit University in more than 40 undergraduate majors, nine master’s offerings and two doctoral programs. Even more students will join online classes as the academic year progresses, as online sessions are offered in five different eight-week sessions—two in the fall, two in the spring and one in the summer. Doctoral week-long, on-campus modules are enhanced by online options.

As they begin their studies, Lytle advises students, “Don’t expect an education to happen because you just show up at a university. Learn with humility and hard work!”

What does Lytle hope students take away from Convocation Chapel? “We know God loves us; this year we need to show our love for him by obedience that benefits others.”

Watch the live stream of Convocation Chapel on Monday, August 28 at 10 a.m.