When end of October-beginning of November hits PTC, an intriguing combination of glee, panic and utter self-absorption descend. The 'glee' is generated by many an end of academic year jamboree and premature Christmas celebration. We do tinsel and a carol service over the weekend of 7/8 November. Though come to think of it, the College children's Christmas party was last weekend. (Advent? What's Advent?).
The 'panic' is caused by the deadline for all academic assignments on 30th October - dissertations a little earlier, but not much, and hopefully returned by external examiners before crunch time - and the necessity for Faculty to turn everything around by 4th Nov.
The Academic Dean and Registrar then meet for a lengthy 'getting the grades sorted out' session on 6th. Followed by a not short Faculty meeting on Saturday 7th (done it today in fact) at which ALL the grading is formally approved, (or debated upon) and ALL awards given the final OK. Graduation is next week on 12th. Phew.
Want to have a look at the end of year calendar? Here it is.
I've been getting the Extension Dept students' results together of course and also chipping in with the residential programme by marking an Introduction to the Study of the Prophets course for the BD. I'll save happy graduation pictures for the next blog, but we should see a few smiles.
The 'utter self-absorption' bit is the classic theological College institutional sickness; that only PTC and its doings matter at this time of the year. It used to descend at the United College of the Ascension and at Queens in the UK (where I was on staff) in similar fashion. The wider world? What's that? Just now, it's absolutely all about us! We exist purely on Planet PTC, and this intensity is fuelled even more by the fact that the bienniel full College Council (Governing Body) meets in the final week too, so we await a raft of senior Pacific Church leaders arriving any day now.
In commenting on the glee, panic and self-absorption, it isn't meant to sound derisory or over cynical. I'm just reflecting the realities. I've been and will continue to be gladly and fully involved in all the end-of-year necessities and events. Plus I look forward to rejoicing with those progressing and graduating. Hallelujah! There's phenomenal hard work and hours of commitment from many to be recognised and appreciated: from our faculty, support staff, admin colleagues, maintenance guys; not to mention the student body and women's fellowship executives whose creativity and energy make so much happen here. Come 14th Nov, it'll start feeling a bit different, with clergy families preparing to move to new appointments, some preparing for holidays off campus, and the work quietening down a bit residentially.
Our Extension Dept. I have to say, is a good counter to any introverted Planet PTC mentality. With the College in leavers' mode, we're still busy signing up new recruits. Hoorah! A Suva based musician, of Rotuman heritage, discovered the library here and has suddenly got the bug for Biblical studies and theological reading. So he's the latest 'Foundations in Theology' student, on step one of the 'Certificate in Theology' ladder. Great! Then the office phone rings, and it's the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu. Can we start someone off on your BD by Extension? You certainly can, friends - send us the details!
We haven't forgotten there's a wider Parish...
But just for the moment, feel free to party with us on Planet PTC! (Photos with thanks to Kini from the bookshop and plenty more on Facebook!)
The lovely Alofa on the left and some blurry dancers. Spot the mission partner?
Collin and Rosalind - end of term is catching up.....
Talanoa time with Amos, Rev Raki, Sefania and Dr Upolu
Indian snax, Pacific flowers a British Mission Partner
and a Swabian Church History specialist - Dr Ralph.
Did we mention it was the end of the academic year?
Waiena, Abdias and Doreen share the love!
