Controversial Topic: Chapel Credit Edition 

The conversation around required chapel credits seems to be a never-ending controversial topic.

Many religious universities throughout the country make chapel attendance a requirement, and there are universities which do not require it, but strongly encourage it.

Staff and faculty always ask students for opinions on this topic, but students never express their true thoughts. Vanguard University makes chapel attendance a requirement for full-time students. A full-time student must have attended 30 chapel services, or pay a disciplinary fee. 

In a recent interview with a full time student, who decide to remain anonymous said, “I feel as if chapel credits were not mandatory many students would not go. But I do understand why it is a requirement since Vanguard is a religious university.

Honestly I do feel that 30 chapel credits is far too much. We already spent so much time studying, trying our best in order to maintain good grades. It is important to maintain our grade point average so we can keep our scholarships. And that is still not enough. I still need to attend my full-time jobs. I only have this job to maintain my income to pay my education, and other bills such as rent, and food.  I feel that 15 chapel credit is a reasonable amount because it allows students to take care of things which are equally important.” 

Another student said, “Vanguard should not make chapel credits mandatory but should strongly encourage them. I feel like when you are building a relationship with God it is because you’re searching for it, it comes from your own free well, but most importantly it comes from of voluntary actions. I hate how sometimes I will be attending the morning service and there will be students who are either sleeping, eating, or doing homework. It is obviously students do not want to be there and they are only there to receive chapel credits, so they won’t be fined in the end of the semester.” 

According to the SFD Vanguard University website page, SFD was able to offer the lowest possible chapel requirement of 15 during the remote semester. SFD has also stated in their webpage they will once again require 30 chapel credits this upcoming fall 2021 semester.

Students are concerned they will have to attend in person chapel since there is always an overflow of people. Many students have to is sit on the floor. Many students do not feel comfortable being in areas where there are so many people.

Hannah, a full time student said,“ -I’d rather pay the large fee them to be in a room with so many people. I love attending chapel, but I will not risk my health or my families. I have lost so many people due to this disease, I am deeply terrified. I don’t think I will feel safe.”