Chapel Requirements

Chapel Credit Forms

What is the purpose of chapel?

The purpose of chapel is to enlighten by faith the Hardin‐Simmons community through true worship, service, and dialog as we encourage a love for God and others.

Is chapel required?

Students are required to have 80 chapel credits for graduation from Hardin-Simmons University. If a student falls behind, there are accountability measures in place to ensure that students can make up these credits in a timely manner.

Therefore, if a student is behind, they can take the weekend Chapel Credit class for a total of 20 chapel credits, which helps them catch up. This class can only be taken two times total during the duration of their time at HSU and costs $150 each time.

Students cannot work ahead to complete chapel early through volunteer work.
If a student wants to complete chapel credits early, the best way to do this is to attend all chapel services and events on campus that offer credit. Each semester there are at least 15 weeks of chapel, additional nights of worship through the BSM, community service days, etc. A student could reasonably reach 20 chapel credits per semester and finish 2 years early if they wish to.

How do I earn chapel credits?

Be sure to bring your student ID to swipe at the end of chapel. Failure to do so will result in not obtaining any chapel credit.

Is there a deadline for completing my chapel requirements?

There are deadlines for completing chapel credits for graduation. You must have completed 60 chapel credits to be eligible to apply for graduation. Please click here to see the graduation application deadline dates. Your required 80 chapel credits must be completed by April 1 for May graduation, July 1 for August graduation, and November 1 for December graduation. Failure to do so may result in financial penalties, removal of application for graduation and ultimately not graduating until this requirement is met.

What are the chapel requirements for transfer students?

Transfer students will automatically receive .67 credits for every hour up to 60 chapels. This is true even for students who may have attended more chapels than this at their previous school. Transfer students must attend at least 20 chapels at HSU in order to meet their chapel requirements. It usually takes the Registrar’s Office at least one semester to add the credits to OneCard accounts.

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.

Can I waive the chapel requirement?

Be advised that very few students are granted waivers.

If attending chapel is extremely difficult because of circumstances—for example, you have dependent children living with you, have a medical/physical limitation, then you may petition the Chapel Advisory Committee to waive the chapel requirement. The first step in requesting a chapel exemption requires a face-to-face meeting with two members of the Chapel Advisory Committee. To request a meeting, contact Shelli Presley, Director of Spiritual Formation, via email at spiritualformation@hsutx.edu.

Where do I go for more information?

Email spiritualformation@hsutx.edu.