What is “Baccalaureate”?

Since the Eighth Century, Baccalaureate has been a celebration of academic achievement. At Talbot, Baccalaureate is a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation. For many graduates, it is a highlight of their graduation experience.

Baccalaureate at Talbot includes dinner, a hooding ceremony, testimonies of thanksgiving, and a special presentation recognizing fellow graduates and faculty. Graduates will also receive a blessing and a special prayer from the Dean of Talbot at the end of the evening. Graduates are encouraged to invite those who have supported them through their time at Talbot.

When is the Baccalaureate Celebration?

The Baccalaureate Celebration dinner is on Thursday, May 24th, 5:00-9:00 p.m., the evening before Commencement.

Who attends the Baccalaureate Celebration?

All Talbot graduates and full-time faculty are invited to Baccalaureate.  Graduates are encouraged to invite their spouse, relatives, Mentoring Couple, mentors, friends, and others with whom they have significant relationship. Due to space constraints, each graduate is offered one table of ten (10) people. If your party includes more than ten, please contact the Talbot Spiritual Formation Focus Office to have your extra guests placed on our waiting list.

Is it required that I attend both the Baccalaureate and the Commencement?

Although Baccalaureate is not required, it is a special time of thanksgiving to God and offers a venue to appreciate those who have supported you in your Talbot years.

Graduation rehearsal and Commencement ARE required, except in cases of extreme difficulty or emergency. Written permission to be excused from graduation must be submitted and approved at least on month prior to graduation with the Dean of Talbot (Dr. Dirks).

Where is the Baccalaureate Celebration held?

The Baccalaureate Celebration is held at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park. The hotel is about 5.5 miles south and west of Biola.
The address is:
7675 Crescent Ave
Buena Park, CA

How do I get to Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel and Resort?

From Talbot, head south on Beach Blvd, beyond Knott's Berry Farm, and turn right on Crescent. After Grand, turn right into the hotel parking lot.  Inform the parking attendant that you are attending the Talbot Baccalaureate and park in the front lot.  Parking is free for the event.  Enter through the main entrance into the lobby and proceed up the stairway to check in.

How much does it cost?

Tickets for Baccalaureate are complimentary for the graduate and spouse. Additional tickets are $35 each. Spousal tickets are not transferrable to other guests. Fiances do not qualify for the complimentary ticket. While many graduates host their own table and pay for all tickets in their party, this is not always possible. You may consider asking guests to cover their own ticket.

Is there a limit to the number of guests I can bring?

Due to space constraints, we initially limit each student to one table of ten (10). Upon receipt of your RSVP and payment, a table will be reserved for you. Additional guests can be placed on a waiting list.

When is the latest that I can add a guest to my party?

You are required to submit your guest list and full payment by Wednesday, April 28, 2012.  After that, changes can only be made if there is an emergency.

What is your cancellation policy?

There is no refund for unused guest reservations.  Paid guest reservations are transferable, but you must notify the Spiritual Formation Focus Office of any changes to your guest list as soon as possible (otherwise, these guests will not be admitted).

When should I expect an invitation?

Invitations will be issued from the Spiritual Formation Focus Office in mid-March.  Invitations are sent to the home address on file with the Registrars Office. RSVPs are due Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

How formal should my party and I dress?

Baccalaureate falls between dressy casual and semi-formal.  Nice slacks and a tie are appropriate for men and a nice dress or skirt and blouse is appropriate for women. Graduates need to bring their cap, gown, and hood, keeping it with you during dinner.  After dinner, you will be dismissed to put on your regalia for the hooding ceremony.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for Baccalaureate?

In addition to your RSVP, inviting guests, submitting payment, and your requests for seating and hooding, graduates should submit the following items to be included in the evening’s program:
–Note of Appreciation
–Picture of Graduate (high resolution digital files preferred)
–After Graduation Plans
These items should be submitted to the Spiritual Formation Focus Office by Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Late submissions may not be included in the evening’s program. Email is acceptable and preferred.

What should I submit as my “after grad plans?”

The Talbot community is interested in your future and would like to be praying with you through the next steps in life and ministry. All notes are compiled and printed in the Baccalaureate program. Whether you are continuing in a current ministry or waiting on the Lord for His direction, we would like to include your plans in the evening. Submissions can be as simples as, “My family and I will be returning to Anytown, serving as Senior Pastor of SBC Church” or “I am waiting on the Lord’s direction and how I might serve Him.”

What happens at the Baccalaureate Hooding Ceremony?

After dinner, graduates and faculty are dismissed to the coatroom to put on their regalia and line up for the hooding ceremony. Graduates and spouses ascend the stage together. As you are hooded, your note of appreciation is read and your spouse (if applicable) is recognized for his/her support, encouragement, and prayers during your time in seminary.  More detailed instructions will be provided through email and at Baccalaureate.

Who will hood me at the Baccalaureate Hooding Ceremony?

Faculty play an important role in the Talbot experience. To honor that, you may request a specific professor to hood you during the Hooding Ceremony. As your first choice may not be available, please submit several names on your response card. If you are receiving two degrees, please make a note as such and both your degrees will be announced, however you will only be hooded once. The Spiritual Formation Focus Office will make every attempt to honor your request, but cannot make guarantees.

What is the Note of Appreciation?

The hooding ceremony will not only honor you as a graduate, but also give an opportunity to personally thank those who have encouraged, supported, prayed for and taught you during your time at Talbot.  Your note is read by a faculty member as you are hooded. Please limit your note to 75 words or less.  Due to time limitations at the Baccalaureate Celebration and the large number of graduates, we may edit your note if it is too long.  Please include phonetic spellings of words or names that our readers may find difficult to pronounce.

Could you recommend accommodations for out-of-town guests?

The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel and Resort offers a special rate.  Inquiries can be made at 866.752.2444 or 714.995.1111 and asking for the Talbot School of Theology event rate.

What’s for dinner?

As a Southern California tradition, we have chosen Knott’s Berry Farm’s famous fried chicken dinner for Baccalaureate. If you or anyone in your party requests a vegetarian dinner or gluten free dinner or is lactose intolerant, please let us know so the caterer can be notified.

Are fiancés invited to participate in the Hooding Ceremony?

Spouses are invited to share in the hooding ceremony to thank them for the treasured role they have played in the graduate’s life throughout pursuit of their program. As fiancés do not yet fulfill this role, only spouses are included during the hooding. Fiancés can be included in the Note of Appreciation and After Graduation Plans.

What about children?

Although we strongly encourage graduates and guests with children to make arrangements for childcare at home, children are welcome to attend the evening, provided they are supervised accordingly. Childcare is not provided by Talbot or the hotel.  As there is no “children’s meal,” include children as you would another guest with your RSVP, noting their ages. There is no charge for children under three.  Please let the SFF Office know if a high chair is required.

Could you describe the Note of Appreciation a bit more?

The Note of Appreciation can read however you like. A testimony, poem, list of thank-you’s, etc. While Baccalaureate is formal, there is room for fun and humor as well. Most are written in the first person.
Examples from previous years:

 

Other questions about Baccalaureate and Graduation details?