Chapel FAQ

What is Chapel?
The purpose of HSU chapel is to enlighten by faith the Hardin-Simmons community through worship, dialogue, and service. Chapel meets every Tuesday at 9:30a.m. in Behrens Auditorium.

I feel like I need to talk to someone about something I'm going through.
Dr. Kelly Pigott is always available to speak confidentially with students. There are numerous resources both on and off campus that can be utilized to help you get better. Speaking to the chaplain is the best place to start. Call 671-2190 to setup an appointment.

Is chapel required?
HSU students are required to accumulate 80 chapel credits in order to graduate. This averages to 10 chapels per semester. Approximately 20 credits can be earned in chapel in any given semester. In addition, there are alternative events such as plays, recitals, assemblies, concerts, and the Logsdon chapel service where a student can earn chapel credits.

How do I earn chapel credits?
At most events, a scanner will be setup in the lobby for you to scan your OneCard (student ID) at the end of the program. Make sure to do so or you will not get credit. At a few events a signup sheet is provided. Make sure to write your name and ID number legibly.

One bonus chapel credit can be earned by attending at least ten chapels in a semester. This credit will be added automatically by the beginning of the following semester.

What are the chapel requirements for transfer students?
Transfer students will automatically receive 10 chapel credits for each full semester completed from their previous school, not to exceed 60. This is true even for students who may have attended more chapels than this at their previous school. For example, a first semester sophomore has completed two semesters and will be credited with 20 chapels, needing 60 more credits to graduate. Transfer students must attend at least 20 chapels at HSU in order to meet their chapel requirements.

If this is your first semester, give the registrars until next semester to indicate this on your OneCard. If you feel an error has been made on the number of credits you received, see the registrars.

How will I know how many chapels I've attended?
Each time you swipe your OneCard, the scanner will let you know how many credits you have. Each credit equals one chapel, and the total will carry-over to the next semester. If you want to know how many more chapels you need to attend, simply subtract the number of credits from 80.

I can't make chapel on Tuesdays, what can I do?
To see a list of upcoming alternative chapel events, click here.

If you'd like to do community service, click here to download the form. Fill it out and have it signed by the supervisor listed. For every hour you volunteer you get one chapel credit.

If your situation is especially challenging, you can download a chapel waiver form here. Please note that the chapel advisory committee grants these waivers, and they meet only once a semester. In addition, most requests are NOT granted. A student must demonstrate to the committee that they face a difficult hardship. For example, working full time is NOT a sufficient reason. However, a single parent working full time and taking care of children at home typically will be granted a waiver.

When do I have to have my chapel requirement fulfilled?
A graduating senior must have their chapel requirement fulfilled by the due date for diploma cards. After this, the registrar schedules deadlines that prohibit getting one’s name in the program receiving tickets for the ceremony.See the registrar for these deadlines. If a student does not achieve 80 credits by graduation, he/she will NOT receive a degree until the requirement has been met.

I forgot to bring my ID to chapel, can I still get credit?
The handbook states that a student must bring a valid ID card to chapel and swipe at one of the machines in order to get credit.

I'd like to help out with chapel, how can I get involved?
If you are interested in providing leadership for chapel, contact Dr. Kelly Pigott in the Connally Missions Center.

I have an idea for a speaker, musical group, topic, etc.
Great! Email Dr. Kelly Pigott at kpigott@hsutx.edu with all the information you have. There's no guarantee that the person or group will be invited, but we're always looking for good ideas.

I have a question about the number of chapel credits showing up on my OneCard.
Whitney Cloud handles all the questions pertaining to chapel credits. She can be reached at 671-2190, or you can email her at wcloud@hsutx.edu.