Out with the old, in with opportunity.

            University of the Cumberlands is preparing to make extensive changes to the Convocation program starting fall semester 2012.

            The UC website describes Convocation as a program set up to help strengthen a student’s core experience at UC and provide a time for students to come together for worship or some other special emphasis.

            Assistant Professor of Communication Arts, Jeremiah Massengale, attended the faculty meeting concerning the changes. According to Massengale, Convo will consist of four categories: Faith Development, Academics/Culture, Major Events, and General Interests.

            Students will be responsible for attending two presentations from each category. The traditional 10 a.m. time slot used for Convocation will now be used for class time. Convo will take place at other times during the day. A specific time plan of the program has not been set.

The current system requires students to attend every meeting within their class standing with no more than two absences. Students have no option to pick and choose which programs they would like to attend.

            Director of Convocation, Rick Fleenor, refused to comment on the changes. He said there will be a special Convo on Feb. 27 for freshmen and Feb. 29 for upperclassmen that will formally present the new system to students.

            Some university staff are already expressing positive feedback. John Varley, Assistant Professor of Communication, believes it’s a win-win situation. “By giving students choices, it will encourage them to attend events that they may already be considering, but not force them to begrudgingly sit through something they don’t want to,” said Varley.

            The changes are getting more mixed reviews from students. Changes to Convo means a change in schedule for students. Commuters like Meagan Worthington have to balance school with work and children. “I don’t agree with the changes. I don’t know when or where I’d be available. Being a mother, it would affect my son and I greatly. I have to have a strict schedule,” Worthington said.

             On-campus student, Casey Pollitte, likes the change. “I will now have the option to which Convos I want to attend.”