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Class of 2020 Celebrates Graduation after Postponement Due to COVID-19

The UVF community was thrilled to celebrate the faithfulness of God and the accomplishments of the class of 2020 at Commencement on August 29th, 2020. The day of Commencement was full of joy for graduates and their families, and was characterized by thankfulness and worship to the Lord for all He has done and all He has yet to do in their lives.

Two Commencement ceremonies were held in the Flower Chapel to allow for physical distancing. The ceremonies were streamed live so that friends and family could tune in from all over the world to celebrate their graduates. Commencement also incorporated elements from the traditional Baccalaureate service, which was not held this year. Three speakers, a professor and two graduating seniors, were able to share their messages during both Commencement ceremonies. UVF alumna and Behavioral Sciences Department Chair Rev. Melissa Falk ’96, and graduates Jenette Ellis ’20 and Landon Ritchey ’20 all shared predominantly from Psalm 103, along with other supporting Scriptures.

Using the traditional themes of past, present, and future, Ellis encouraged the class of 2020 and all those listening in person and online to “[not] dwell on the negative circumstances of our past, [but] consciously choose to make a list of our incredible blessings.” “In this moment, we have an incredible opportunity: we can alter our destiny and create a brighter future. By making a commitment to follow God’s word, we will experience His blessing, and [our lives] will never be the same,” Ritchey proclaimed. Reverend Falk closed with the statement that, “the world has always been ill-equipped to provide the assurances that we can only find in Jesus. But it’s often through the unexpected and painful experiences of life that the assurances of Jesus and His promise to be with us shine the brightest… ‘Blessed Assurance’ is a challenge and a mandate for how we will live every day of our lives… Your story is that, while the world has never been able to hold any lasting promise of assurance, for your future, you have a blessed assurance that your story is firmly in His hands. You are firmly in His hands.”

Commencement speaker and UVF Board of Trustees member John Paproski addressed the 2020 graduates and applauded them for a job well done and urged them to do their best in their respective fields.

“Regardless of our talent and vocation, we can make our largest impact on this world and the people in it by multiplying our talents and blessings. That’s why this university is so important, and that is why you, the 2020 graduates, are so important. You are the fruit that UVF bears. Not just 119 lives, a little smarter and ready to take on the world, but disciples equipped with vocational skills and talents and ready to take your ministries to the corners of the earth. You may reach people through products that you make or hugs that you give: maybe in the mission field, maybe in the boardroom [or] corner store. But you are leaving here with dreams, talents, and blessings that will blossom into expanded dreams, talents, and blessings.”

Finally, graduates were welcomed into the Alumni Association by Rev. Gavin Brown ’04, Board of Trustees member and Lead Pastor of Lifehouse Church in Beltsville, MD before receiving their respective degrees from UVF President David J. Kim.

To watch the first Commencement ceremony during which the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Social Work graduates were recognized, click here.

To watch the second Commencement ceremony during which the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts, Master of Music, Certificate, and Associate of Arts graduates were recognized, click here.

To watch the Commencement recap video, click here.

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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.