SWU Chapel
Chapel is the time reserved for the university community to meet for corporate worship. Chapel attendance is required according to policies set forth in the SWU handbook. Chapel meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:50am - 11:35am. Additional events, such as Missions Conference and Holiness Lecture Series identified by the Chaplain, may be counted as chapel events.
Attendance Policy
We believe that the Southern Wesleyan University community affirms its highest allegiance through the means of corporate worship. As we seek to develop life together within a Christian setting, opportunity must be given when the entire community is encouraged to find wholeness in Christ and readiness for ministry. For us, this opportunity is provided through chapel. Though there are other occasional opportunities throughout the year, chapel creates the regularity of worship that is vital within a Christian community.
We affirm the critical and crucial importance of a meaningful chapel program to a Christian university. Chapel is vital to Christian higher education and its importance can scarcely be overstated. Chapel contributes significantly to the atmosphere of the University by fostering a sense of community as we worship God and learn together.
All full-time, traditional students must attend 24 chapel events per semester. In addition to the regular Tuesday-Thursday chapel times, other activities may count as a chapel event. The Spiritual Life and Ministry Department will announce these approved activities.
If a student fails to attend 24 chapel events in a semester, the student will be required to register for the one-hour course, SEMR 0951 Exploring Spiritual Development, the next semester. If the student fails to meet the chapel requirement and satisfactorily complete SEMR 0951, the student must register for the course the next semester and will be placed on social probation for that semester. If the student fails to meet the chapel requirement and SEMR 0951, the student will be referred to the Student Life Council for discipline, which may include dismissal.
Graduating seniors and students completing their final semester before internships must complete 12 chapel credits by the end of the seventh (7th) week of the semester. Students who do not meet this requirement mus meet with the University Chaplain to develop a contract for meeting the specified number of chapel credits by an agreed upon date. Failure to establish or complete the contract will result in referral to the Student Life Council for disciplinary action that may include social probation or dismissal.
Questions and Answers
Q: How many chapel experiences will I have the opportunity to attend?
A: There will be at least 40 chapel experiences per semester.
Q: How many of those will I be required to attend?
A: Traditional students, with 12 or more hours, are required to attend 24 chapel experiences.
Q: If I am a commuter, am I still required to attend chapel?
A: If you are a traditional student with 12 or more course hours, yes.
Q: How do I get credit for attendance?
A: You must arrive on time or before chapel begins, check in, and remain until the conclusion of the event to receive credit for attendance.
Q: Will SWU notify me of my chapel attendance?
A: Yes, you will receive a printout in your SWU mailbox at the end/beginning of each month. If you do not have a SWU mailbox, sign up for one as soon as possible.
Q: How can I satisfy the required number of chapels?
A: You can satisfy the 24 required chapels by attending regular chapel services on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:50am in Folger, Spiritual Emphasis services, and other events approved by the Spiritual Life and Ministry Department.
Q: What are the consequences for not attending the required number of chapels?
A: The first offense will require the student to be enrolled in SEMR 0951 Exploring Spiritual Development the following semester. For a second offense, the student will be enrolled in the afore mentioned class the next semester and placed on social probation. For a third offense, the student will appear before the Student Life Council and may face dismissal.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Ken Dill, the University Chaplain, will be happy to assist you further. You can make an appointment to see him by visiting the Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices (located in the Campus Life Center) or calling 864-644-5130. |
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